ZeroAvia and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Conduct First Liquid Hydrogen Demonstration Flight in 2026
Key Ideas
- ZeroAvia and KLM plan to conduct the first demonstration flight with liquid hydrogen in 2026 between two different airport locations, potentially from Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
- The ZA2000 propulsion system, a hydrogen-electric system with two megawatts of power, will be used for large regional turboprop aircraft like the Bombardier Q400 and ATR-72.
- The conversion to hydrogen-electric propulsion aims to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional flights using paraffin, contributing to a more sustainable airline industry.
- KLM expresses strong support for innovation in sustainable aviation, actively exploring electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights to accelerate advancements towards a cleaner future for the industry.
ZeroAvia, a manufacturer specializing in electric aircraft engines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are collaborating to conduct the first demonstration flight with liquid hydrogen in 2026 between two different airport locations. Although the specific airports for takeoff and landing are yet to be finalized, Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a potential candidate due to ongoing infrastructure preparations for commercial passenger flights with hydrogen aircraft starting in 2025. The project involves the ZA2000 propulsion system, a two-megawatt hydrogen-electric system designed for large regional turboprop aircraft like the Bombardier Q400 and ATR-72.
The conversion to hydrogen-electric propulsion is expected to significantly reduce emissions, with studies suggesting up to a 90% decrease compared to conventional paraffin-fueled flights. KLM Cityhopper, a subsidiary of KLM, is keen on integrating these innovative solutions to enhance sustainability in short-haul flights. KLM expresses its commitment to being at the forefront of sustainable aviation by supporting various technologies like electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights. This initiative aligns with the airline's goal of driving industry change towards a cleaner future.
Both ZeroAvia and KLM are enthusiastic about the potential of hydrogen-electric propulsion in revolutionizing the airline industry. James Peck from ZeroAvia emphasizes the growing interest of major airlines in hydrogen-electric technology, highlighting KLM's rich history and commitment to a sustainable future. The collaboration between ZeroAvia and KLM signifies a significant step towards achieving zero-emission flights and fostering innovation in the aviation sector.