Agrees to Buy 100 ZeroAvia Fuel Cell-Powered Engines

American Airlines is increasing its investment in novel engine technology to achieve its aggressive goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

The Fort Worth, Texas, -based company has entered into a conditional purchase agreement for 100 ZeroAvia engines powered by hydrogen-electric fuel cells. The fuel cells generate electricity to power electric motors which turn the propellers and run aircraft electrical systems, and the engines are intended to power regional turboprops and jets with zero emissions except water vapor.

ZeroAvia, based in Everett, Washington, is currently flight-testing a prototype for a 20-seat aircraft and is in the design phase of a larger engine that could be used on regional turboprops like the De Havilland Dash 8, ATR 42/72, or a Bombardier CJ700. American operates the latter aircraft on some regional routes.

American’s CEO Robert Isom said, “Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion. 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.”

ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov said, “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. The solutions that can serve the largest airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight is coming.”

FMI:  news.aa.com/news/, zeroavia.com/