A revolution is brewing, and it’s driven by new engines that will change flying for good. American Airlines has recently placed an order for 100 hydrogen-electric engines, a daring departure from traditional jet fuel. The move is expected to have a ripple effect on other major airlines in the transition. Is the future of air travel becoming clear?
American Airlines’ hydrogen wager: How 100 new engines could redefine the future of flight
In a historic deal, American Airlines has agreed to purchase 100 hydrogen-electric motors from ZeroAvia, a clean tech industry leader in commercial aviation. The motors are in development for regional aircraft and could come into operation as soon as 2027, according to a Reuters report. The deal is among the biggest hydrogen power deals in the history of commercial aviation.
The engines will be installed on current regional planes, and American Airlines will therefore be able to lower emissions without waiting for new planes. The move is expected to have a ripple effect on other major airlines in the transition.
“This is a move in the right direction toward our 2050 target of net-zero emissions,” American Airlines Chief Financial Officer Devon May described, as reported by Dallas News.
This is how hydrogen-electric engines work—and why they’re so revolutionary for the industry
Hydrogen-electric engines drive electric motors using electricity from hydrogen fuel cells, which power the plane’s propellers. The sole exhaust is water vapor, so the engines are significantly cleaner than traditional jet engines. ZeroAvia’s technology has previously been tested in small planes, but this collaboration with American Airlines could put it in mass-market commercial flight.
The switch to hydrogen is “sensational” in that it’s upending decades of fossil fuel reliance. Not only are the engines producing fewer emissions, but also quieter flights and lower operating costs. The shift will be accompanied by a need for new refueling infrastructure and regulatory approvals, though.
The numbers: How much difference, cost, and disruption can we expect in hydrogen flight?
American Airlines’ acquisition is for up to 100 regional jets with the right to order more. The transaction could expand to hundreds of aircraft over the long term, Dallas News says, if the technology pans out. Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but the investment is a strong vote of confidence in hydrogen’s future.
The effect on the environment can be enormous. Regional jets operate most short-haul flights and, if they have hydrogen-electric engines installed, can significantly cut emissions on the network. ZeroAvia believes its engines can lower lifecycle emissions by as much as 90% against baseline engines.
This is how the airline industry is preparing for a hydrogen revolution
Airports and regulators are already exploring how to support hydrogen-powered aircraft. New fueling stations, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures will be needed. American Airlines is working closely with ZeroAvia and industry partners to ensure a smooth rollout.
“We’re committed to being at the forefront of sustainable aviation,” said Devon May.
The deal also vows to hasten research and development, and still more are on the way. How quickly hydrogen will replace its fossil-fuel cousins as commercial flight’s new normal will be dictated by the success of this endeavor. American Airlines’ bold purchase of 100 hydrogen-electric engines is a watershed moment for the world. The world is watching, and the skies may soon be filled with hydrogen- and smarts-only airplanes.
This one is already gaining controversy throughout the whole airline business and among consumers. Industry experts believe that widespread adoption of hydrogen-electric motors could ultimately translate to quieter airports, cleaner skies, and a new era of technological advancement. Consumers might be flying high in the sky on airplanes as clean as they are efficient as early as soon.
