In a groundbreaking collaboration, ZeroAvia and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have announced plans for a zero-emission demonstration flight powered by ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines. This innovative partnership aims to showcase the feasibility of hydrogen-electric propulsion in large regional turboprops, marking a significant step towards sustainable aviation.
Hydrogen-electric engines utilize hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which then powers electric motors to drive the aircraft’s propellers. The only byproduct of this process is low-temperature water vapor, which can reduce the climate impact by up to 90% compared to traditional kerosene-fueled flights.
The companies aim to conduct an initial demonstration flight between two airport locations by 2026. This milestone will involve securing regulatory permits, ensuring a steady supply of liquid hydrogen, and establishing the necessary fueling infrastructure. This project will not only demonstrate the practical application of hydrogen-electric technology but also accelerate the development of operational concepts for hydrogen-powered aircraft across Europe.
KLM, committed to becoming a more sustainable airline, supports advanced technologies such as hydrogen and electric aviation as part of its strategy to decarbonize the aviation sector. The maintenance divisions of KLM and Air France are collaborating with ZeroAvia to build expertise in maintaining hydrogen fuel cell planes, furthering the industry’s knowledge base.
James Peck, Chief Customer Officer of ZeroAvia, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “The world’s largest airlines are diving in to explore hydrogen-electric as a potential solution with increasing seriousness. We can’t wait to work with KLM, being an airline with such rich history, as we look towards a clean future for the industry.”
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation: “KLM aims to be a front-runner in the journey towards a more sustainable future in aviation. That’s why we actively support and encourage innovation to drive industry change. When it comes to the future of zero-emission flights, KLM supports various technologies and innovations simultaneously.”
ZeroAvia has already conducted extensive testing of its ZA600 engine prototype aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft in the UK and performed advanced ground tests for the key components of the ZA2000 system. The ZA2000 will support regional turboprop aircraft with up to 80 seats, such as the ATR72 and Dash 8 400, further enhancing the potential for zero-emission commercial flights.
This partnership between KLM and ZeroAvia represents a significant leap towards a sustainable future in aviation, paving the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen-electric propulsion and establishing a new standard for environmentally friendly air travel.
