American Airlines has shifted its focus from electric aircraft to hydrogen-fueled aircraft by entering into a conditional purchase agreement with ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines. This initiative aims to power regional jet aircraft with zero inflight emissions, except for water vapor. American Airlines has also increased its investment in ZeroAvia and participated in the company's Series C financing round. ZeroAvia is working on developing hydrogen-electric engines for commercial aircraft, including a prototype for a 20-seat plane and engines for larger aircraft like the Bombardier CRJ700. While American Airlines positions this move as a step towards achieving 'net zero by 2050', critics question the airline's commitment, labeling it as notional participation without a significant resource commitment. The airline's decision comes amidst controversy over its inability to afford higher wages for flight attendants. In contrast, Delta Airlines' approach, which includes owning an oil refinery and utilizing fraudulent carbon credits for claiming net zero status, has faced criticism. Despite some skepticism, American Airlines' investment in hydrogen-electric technology is seen as a positive step towards sustainability in the aviation industry, rather than mere virtue signaling.