American Airlines to purchase 100 ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric engines
American Airlines has signed a conditional purchase agreement with ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines, alongside increasing its investment in the alternative propulsion innovator.
Although ZeroAvia’s incremental approach is initially focused on developing its 600KW hydrogen-electric powertrain for 10-20 seat regional turboprops (with a targeted entry into service of 2025), subsequent models will power larger aircraft. These could include types such as the 66-78 seat Bombardier CRJ700, which American operates on certain regional routes.
ZeroAvia has designed its 2-5MW modular powertrain, the A2000, to be suitable for 40-seat regional turboprops. It is anticipated to be in commercial service by 2027, while the 5MW+ ZA2000RJ will be suitable for up to 90 seat regional jets by 2029.
“The solutions that can serve the largest airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight is coming,” said ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. “In signing this purchase agreement, 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”.
