Photo: United Airlines
It’s no wonder that United was named “Eco-Airline of the Year” for the third time this year. It’s one of the few airlines to partner with several innovative aviation companies in order to tackle the CO2 emissions issues from multiple angles. One of these is the use of hydrogen-electric motors for its premium aircraft.
Earlier this year, United Airlines set two important records in the industry. It signed the biggest SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) purchase agreement in the history of aviation, adding up to hundreds of millions of gallons, from Alder Fuels and Fulcrum BioEnergy. At the beginning of this month, it wrote history once again by flying the first SAF-powered aircraft with passengers on board, from Chicago to Washington, D.C.
Now, United hit another milestone, becoming the largest airline to invest in hydrogen-electric motors for regional aircraft. By becoming one of the major investors in ZeroAvia, a company that specializes in hydrogen solutions for aviation, United agreed to purchase 50 of its ZA2000-RJ, with an option for 50 more.
The 2-5 MW zero-emission powertrain system will be used in pairs, so this purchase agreement will be enough to provide hydrogen-electric motors for up to 50 twin-engine aircraft. The ZA2000-RJ will be used as a retrofit solution for existing aircraft, including United’s CRJ-550, which is the only 50-seater packed with premium amenities and first-class services. If it can also become emissions-free through the integration of a hybrid-electric system, this premium regional aircraft is set to become even more popular.
The first United Express aircraft powered by ZeroAvia’s hydrogen system is expected to enter service by 2028. Until then, ZeroAvia will continue with its other big plans. The first one to be certified will be a 10 to 20 seat aircraft with a 500-mile (804.6 km) range, followed by a 40-80 seat airliner in 2026. The regional jets operated by United and its partners will be the largest versions of hydrogen-electric airplanes, coming in 2028.
Other major investors in ZeroAvia are Alaska Air Group, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, and Shell Ventures.
Now, United hit another milestone, becoming the largest airline to invest in hydrogen-electric motors for regional aircraft. By becoming one of the major investors in ZeroAvia, a company that specializes in hydrogen solutions for aviation, United agreed to purchase 50 of its ZA2000-RJ, with an option for 50 more.
The 2-5 MW zero-emission powertrain system will be used in pairs, so this purchase agreement will be enough to provide hydrogen-electric motors for up to 50 twin-engine aircraft. The ZA2000-RJ will be used as a retrofit solution for existing aircraft, including United’s CRJ-550, which is the only 50-seater packed with premium amenities and first-class services. If it can also become emissions-free through the integration of a hybrid-electric system, this premium regional aircraft is set to become even more popular.
The first United Express aircraft powered by ZeroAvia’s hydrogen system is expected to enter service by 2028. Until then, ZeroAvia will continue with its other big plans. The first one to be certified will be a 10 to 20 seat aircraft with a 500-mile (804.6 km) range, followed by a 40-80 seat airliner in 2026. The regional jets operated by United and its partners will be the largest versions of hydrogen-electric airplanes, coming in 2028.
Other major investors in ZeroAvia are Alaska Air Group, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, and Shell Ventures.
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