American Airlines announced that it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement with hydrogen-electric aviation solutions startup ZeroAvia for 100 engines that can power regional jet aircraft with zero inflight emissions save for water vapor.

Additionally, American Airlines announced that it has increased its investment in ZeroAvia through participation in its Series C financing round, following an initial investment in 2022.

The aviation industry has come under scrutiny as a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for 2-3% of global emissions, with that figure potentially rising dramatically over the coming decades if no action is taken. While many initiatives are currently targeting areas allowing for more rapid sector decarbonization, such as electrified propulsion or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen is viewed by some in the industry as a more promising long-term solution, given its potential to be produced through carbon-free methods, and its energy attributes.

Founded in 2018 in California, ZeroAvia develops hydrogen electric engines for commercial aircraft. According to the company, the technology enables low temperature water vapor as the only inflight emissions, and lower intensity electrical systems with the potential to offer significant cost savings.

ZeroAvia expects to offer engines to support a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by the end of 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. The company is flight testing a prototype for a 20-seat plane and designing an engine for larger aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ700, which American operates on certain regional routes.

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.”

American has a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In recent years, the company said, it has undertaken the most extensive fleet renewal effort in the history of commercial aviation.

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.”