American skies are on the verge of a big transformation. The familiar hum of jet engines may soon sound different, thanks to a fuel source that’s been around forever but rarely used this way.
American Airlines has taken its first real major step toward a cleaner future by investing in hydrogen-electric engines for its regional aircraft. The airline has agreed to a provisional purchase of 100 of these engines from aviation startup, ZeroAvia.
And if it all goes as planned, this could change the way planes fly forever.
American Airlines is no stranger to sustainability goals. Like many companies in the aviation industry, it has committed to cutting its carbon footprint, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But how can an airline, a business built on burning jet fuel, even attempt to reach that goal? The answer, it seems, lies in the type of fuel everyone (Elon Musk in particular) loves to hate: hydrogen.
But how likely is it to succeed?
Hydrogen-powered aviation may sound a big very far-fetched, but it’s quickly becoming reality. ZeroAvia, the company at the center of this deal, has been making headlines with its hydrogen-electric technology.
The startup is currently testing a prototype engine for a 20-seat aircraft. But that’s just the beginning. It is also developing an engine powerful enough for larger planes, including the Bombardier CRJ700, which American Airlines already uses for some of its regional flights.
It’s only emitting this once it’s in the air
Unlike traditional jet engines that burn fossil fuels, these hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. That electricity powers motors, which then turn the aircraft’s propellers. The only thing these engines emit during flight is water vapor.
It’s a completely different way of flying, and it could be a game-changer for regional air travel. These engines won’t be replacing the massive jet turbines that power long-haul international flights anytime soon, but they have the potential to make shorter domestic routes much greener.
Will this be a risky venture?
This isn’t the first time American Airlines has put its faith in ZeroAvia. The airline first invested in the California-based company in 2022. Now, as part of its Series C financing round, American has increased its investment, though the financial details haven’t been disclosed.
What is clear, though, is that American Airlines sees real potential in ZeroAvia’s technology. If successful, these engines could make a way for a whole new generation of aircraft.
The aviation industry is a major user of fossil fuels, and many experts have been skeptical about whether it could ever become truly sustainable.
Hydrogen is one of the most promising alternatives, but it’s not without challenges – as the automotive industry has discovered. To be produced in a less expensive way, it generally needs to be made from fossil fuels, which defeats the purpose, or from water using electrolysis, which is, well, just expensive.
Still, major airlines and aerospace companies are betting on hydrogen as a key to aviation’s future. The technology is advancing quickly, and as production methods improve, costs could come down. And when that happens, hydrogen could become the standard for clean air travel.
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, knows that the journey to a greener aviation industry won’t be simple. But he believes investments like this are necessary. “Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” he said in a statement.
It will take time before these engines are widely used, but the fact that a major airline is backing this technology is a significant step. The aviation industry has long been criticized for its environmental impact, and travelers have been demanding change.
These Hydrogen-electric engines could be one of the answers.
