In a series of moves that herald a potential revolution in aviation, major airlines and zero-emission innovators are taking big steps towards implementing fully electric and hydrogen-powered commercial flights. Recent announcements from the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024 underscore the industry’s commitment to sustainable air travel.

Partnerships paving the way for sustainable aviation

Edinburgh-based Ecojet, co-founded by green industrialist Dale Vince, has signed an agreement with zero-emissions innovator ZeroAvia to purchase 22 ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines, with options for a further 40 engines. The agreement secures Ecojet’s position to receive some of the first production slots for ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 powertrains once they are certified.

In a parallel development, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and ZeroAvia announced plans to work on a demonstration flight using ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for large regional turboprops. The companies aim to conduct a first A-to-B flight demonstration between two airport locations in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of cleaner flight technology.

Technological breakthroughs and industry collaboration

ZeroAvia’s innovative hydrogen-electric engines work by using hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which then powers electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. This technology results in zero emissions except for low-temperature water vapor, with studies estimating a 90% reduction in climate impact compared to typical jet fuel flights.

The partnership between airlines and ZeroAvia represents a powerful synergy in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. Ecojet’s ambitious plans include launching services with conventionally powered aircraft by the end of 2024, with the aim of equipping them with zero-emission technology after certification. KLM, which is focused on becoming a more sustainable airline, sees supporting advanced technologies such as hydrogen and electric aviation as one of three pillars to help decarbonize the aviation sector.

ZeroAvia has made significant progress in testing its technology, conducting extensive tests of a prototype ZA600 engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base. The company has also conducted advanced ground tests in the US and UK for key components of the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic liquid hydrogen tanks and patented high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems.

Overcoming challenges and building infrastructure

As these partnerships progress, immediate workstreams include obtaining regulatory permits to fly, securing the supply of liquid hydrogen fuel, and establishing the supporting infrastructure for aircraft refueling. KLM and Air France maintenance departments have already worked with ZeroAvia to build the knowledge base for effective MRO operations for hydrogen fuel cell aircraft.

These joint efforts will not only provide a proof-of-concept for the adoption of cleaner flight technologies, but will also accelerate the development of hydrogen aircraft operational concepts in the EU. With nearly 2,000 engine pre-orders from major global airlines and a potential revenue of over $10 billion, ZeroAvia is well positioned to play a pivotal role in transforming the aviation landscape.

As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, these partnerships demonstrate the tangible progress being made towards a more sustainable future for air travel. In the coming years, more airlines are likely to join this green aviation revolution, bringing the dream of zero-emission flights closer.