ZeroAvia Secures Agreement with American Airlines for Hydrogen-Electric Engines
Key Ideas
- ZeroAvia successfully completed flight tests of electric aircraft in the US and UK, now securing an agreement with American Airlines for 100 hydrogen-electric engines.
- American Airlines has increased its investment in ZeroAvia, participating in the Series C financing round to support the development of hydrogen-electric engines.
- The hydrogen-electric engines by ZeroAvia use fuel cells to generate electricity, offering significant cost savings with low-temperature water vapor as the only inflight emission.
- American CEO Robert Isom emphasizes the importance of investing in clean aircraft propulsion technologies to transition commercial aviation to a low-carbon future.
ZeroAvia, a company focused on developing hydrogen-fueled engines for commercial aircraft, has achieved significant milestones in the advancement of clean aviation technology. Following successful flight tests of electric aircraft in the US and UK, ZeroAvia has now entered into a conditional agreement with American Airlines to purchase 100 hydrogen-electric engines for regional jet aircraft. This partnership was solidified through a memorandum of understanding in 2022. American Airlines has also increased its investment in ZeroAvia, marking its first investment in 2022 and participating in the company's Series C financing round.
ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric engines harness hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which powers electric motors to drive the aircraft's propellers. The technology boasts low-temperature water vapor as the sole inflight emission, offering a more environmentally friendly solution. Additionally, the electrical systems' lower intensity presents the potential for significant cost savings.
Currently, ZeroAvia is conducting flight tests on a 20-seat plane prototype while concurrently designing engines for larger aircraft models like the Bombardier CRJ700, which American Airlines operates on specific regional routes. American Airlines' CEO, Robert Isom, highlights the necessity of investing in innovative propulsion technologies to propel the aviation industry towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia, expresses gratitude for American Airlines' support in achieving the company's mission of innovating clean aircraft propulsion. He envisions a future where ZeroAvia's solutions cater to major airlines, signaling a promising shift towards cleaner aviation practices.
Topics
South America
Aviation
Clean Energy
Investment
Environmental Sustainability
Technological Innovation
Commercial Airlines
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