American Airlines’ recent announcement of a conditional purchase agreement for 100 hydrogen-electric engines from startup ZeroAvia has garnered significant attention.
American Airlines’ deal with ZeroAvia represents a bold move towards sustainability. ZeroAvia is known for developing hydrogen-electric engines for commercial aircraft that aim to emit nearly zero emissions. The agreement marks a significant step in American Airlines’ sustainability strategy, as highlighted by CEO Robert Isom:
Other airlines, such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, have also shown interest in ZeroAvia, investing $35 million in the startup in 2021.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding hydrogen-electric engines, significant challenges remain. A recent example is Universal Hydrogen, a startup that successfully flew a hydrogen-powered aircraft in 2024 but subsequently folded due to financial difficulties. The collapse of Universal Hydrogen underscores the financial risks and technological uncertainties in this emerging sector.
Hydrogen-electric engines currently have limitations that restrict their application primarily to smaller aircraft. Universal Hydrogen’s flight of a regional jetliner powered by hydrogen-electric engines highlighted these constraints, as only one engine could be used due to safety concerns. Additionally, hydrogen-electric engines occupy more space than traditional jet fuel, potentially reducing passenger capacity.
While American Airlines’ investment in ZeroAvia is a commendable step towards decarbonization, it’s essential to benchmark this against broader industry efforts. The aviation industry has seen various approaches to reducing emissions, from biofuels to electric aircraft. Hydrogen-electric technology is promising but still in its nascent stages, with scalability and infrastructure being major hurdles.
Comparatively, other airlines are also exploring hydrogen technology but face similar challenges. The collapse of Universal Hydrogen highlights the financial and technological risks involved. Moreover, the development of infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel is another critical factor that will determine the success of these initiatives.
ZeroAvia’s founder and CEO, Val Miftakhov, remains optimistic, stating that the solutions to serve the largest airlines are “within reach.” However, achieving this vision will require overcoming significant technological and economic barriers. The successful deployment of hydrogen-electric engines in regional jets could pave the way for broader applications, but this transition will not be without its challenges.
The aviation industry must address issues such as the high costs of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. Additionally, regulatory frameworks will need to evolve to support the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in aviation.
