American Airlines (AAL) has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable air travel by deepening its collaboration with hydrogen-electric aviation pioneer ZeroAvia.
Building on a previously established Memorandum of Understanding, American Airlines has committed to purchasing 100 hydrogen-electric plane engines from ZeroAvia for use in regional flights, pending conditions.
ZeroAvia, once a fledgling startup, has rapidly evolved into a leading developer of sustainable aviation technology, poised to introduce commercial hydrogen-electric aircraft within the next few years. The company’s ambitious goal includes deploying 40-to-80-seat planes capable of flying up to 700 miles by 2027, bolstered by substantial support and funding from industry giants like Airbus, Barclays, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM.
In a statement, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom emphasized the strategic importance of investing in alternative propulsion technologies to advance the aviation industry’s transition to a low-carbon future:
“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.”
American Airlines’ latest investment in ZeroAvia, part of the company’s Series C funding round, underscores its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative aligns with American’s aggressive sustainability goals and its ongoing efforts to integrate innovative solutions into its fleet operations.
ZeroAvia’s progress includes securing experimental flight certifications from both the UK’s CAA and the US’s FAA, along with successful test flights of its hydrogen-electric prototype aircraft. The company is actively developing engines suitable for larger aircraft models, such as the Bombardier CRJ700 used in American Airlines’ regional service.
Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, Val Miftakhov, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact on advancing clean aviation technology:
“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.”
With projects underway to develop larger hydrogen-electric planes and explore cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel for extended range capabilities, ZeroAvia continues to push the boundaries of sustainable aviation, supported by strategic partnerships with major airlines like American Airlines.
