United Airlines Commits To A Hydrogen-Electric Future With ZeroAvia Investment
Hydrogen and electric solutions are set to overhaul aviation requirements in the coming decades. There have been significant technological progress in the two fields in recent years. As a result, United Airlines has today shared that it has become the largest carrier to invest in zero-emission engines for its regional planes amid an equity stake in ZeroAvia, which completed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-backed flight of a commercial-grade aircraft last year.
Environmental goals
The Chicago-based carrier highlights that this move is part of its mission to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions “100% by 2050.” Notably, the company seeks to achieve this target without the reliance on standard carbon offsetting schemes.
With the investment, United is set to purchase up to 100 of ZeroAvia’s ZA2000-RJ 100% hydrogen-electric engines. The firm sees its regional aircraft, such as the CRJ-550, as great suitors for the model. The airline flew the first of the type in October 2019. There has been great feedback with the 50-seater for its ability to provide a premium cabin experience on short-haul routes. Altogether, the plane helps the operator connect smaller towns within the United States.
Grand prospects
These ZA2000-RJ engines use electricity formed by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell to power an electric motor. As a result, no fossil fuels are burnt, and no carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere.
“Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology. United continues to look for opportunities to not only advance our own sustainability initiatives but also identify and help technologies and solutions that the entire industry can adopt.” – United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, via company statement.
ZeroAvia has been making significant steps in the push for hydrogen-electric aviation. This summer, it announced that it was scaling up its program to include larger aircraft after raising an additional $13 million.
The British/American outfit has a target to introduce passenger flights between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as soon as 2024. The company also recently shared that it looks to influence regional flying in North America by 2026. United’s aircraft be retrofitted with the ZA2000-RJ by 2028.ZeroAvia has been making significant steps in the push for hydrogen-electric aviation. This summer, it announced that it was scaling up its program to include larger aircraft after raising an additional $13 million.
The British/American outfit has a target to introduce passenger flights between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as soon as 2024. The company also recently shared that it looks to influence regional flying in North America by 2026. United’s aircraft be retrofitted with the ZA2000-RJ by 2028.
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