American Airlines has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future by signing a conditional purchase agreement with ZeroAvia, a leading clean aviation company, for 100 hydrogen-electric engines. These engines are designed to power regional jet aircraft, aiming to achieve zero in-flight emissions, producing only water vapor. This move reinforces American Airlines’ commitment to sustainable aviation, following its initial investment in ZeroAvia in 2022 and its participation in ZeroAvia’s Series C financing round. ZeroAvia is pioneering hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engine technology for commercial aircraft, promising near-zero emissions during flights. They are currently conducting flight tests with a prototype for a 20-seat aircraft and are developing engines suitable for larger aircraft models, such as the Bombardier CRJ700, which American Airlines operates on certain 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.” This investment and commitment to innovative engine technology are crucial to American’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. American Airlines has actively pursued a sustainable future, leading 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. This partnership between American Airlines and ZeroAvia is a testament to the growing importance of sustainable aviation and the potential for cleaner, more efficient flight technologies to shape the future of air travel.
American Airlines Invests in ZeroAvia’s Hydrogen-Electric Engines for a Sustainable Future
