Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Fort Worth, Texas, and Everett, Washington; July 2, 2024 — American Airlines has signed a conditional purchase agreement with ZeroAvia, a pioneer in clean aviation, for 100 hydrogen-electric engines designed to power regional jet aircraft. These engines aim to achieve zero in-flight emissions, with only water vapor being released.
Additionally, American Airlines has increased its investment in ZeroAvia, marking its continued support since its initial investment in 2022. The airline also participated in ZeroAvia’s Series C financing round, following a Memorandum of Understanding between the companies announced in 2022.
ZeroAvia is advancing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engine technology for commercial aircraft, promising nearly zero emissions during flights. The company is currently conducting flight tests with a prototype for a 20-seat aircraft and is developing engines suitable for larger aircraft models like the Bombardier CRJ700, which American Airlines operates on select regional routes.
“Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “This announcement will help accelerate the development of technologies needed to power our industry and uphold our commitment to make American a sustainable airline so we can continue to deliver for customers for decades to come.”
The investment and conditional purchase commitment for innovative engine technology are pivotal in American’s ambitious aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In recent years, American has undertaken its most extensive fleet renewal initiative in commercial aviation history, resulting in the youngest mainline fleet among major U.S. network carriers and significant improvements in fuel efficiency.
American Airlines has also led the industry with substantial investments in sustainability. This includes finalizing an offtake agreement with Infinium, a producer of advanced low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel, and becoming the inaugural customer of Graphyte’s groundbreaking and permanent carbon removal technology.
“In signing this purchase agreement and furthering its investment, American is supporting our mission of innovation for clean aircraft propulsion and it is a good signal that ZeroAvia is delivering on our technology roadmap,” said ZeroAvia Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. “The solutions that can serve the largest airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight is coming.”
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines utilize hydrogen within fuel cells to produce electricity, powering electric motors that drive the aircraft’s propellers. The only emission during flight is low-temperature water vapor, and the more efficient electrical systems have the potential to deliver substantial cost savings.
