Popular US flight operator American Airlines is increasing its investment in hydrogen-electric aviation technology developer ZeroAvia. American has committed to purchase 100 hydrogen-electric plane engines for regional flights. ZeroAvia has seen significant growth in recent years and aims to deliver commercial operations of hydrogen-electric planes in the near future.
ZeroAvia has secured funding from heavy hitters like Airbus, Barclays, and NEOM. American Airlines, along with other major airlines, has also invested in ZeroAvia's technology. The partnership with American Airlines includes a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importance of investing in alternative propulsion technologies to transition to a low-carbon future. ZeroAvia's founder and CEO, Val Miftakhov, expressed gratitude for American Airlines' support and the progress in clean aircraft propulsion.
ZeroAvia continues to test its prototype hydrogen-electric plane and is working on engines for larger aircraft. Projects with Alaska Airlines and the development of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel show the potential for longer-range air travel in the future.