United invests in ZeroAvia and may buy up to 100 hydrogen-electric engines

United has taken a stake in advanced propulsion developer ZeroAvia, in a an agreement that could see the carrier order up to 100 hydrogen-electric engines that could be retrofitted onto United Express regional aircraft by 2028, pending certification. Revealing the pact on 13 December, the Chicago-headquartered airline said the ZA2000-RJ engines would be fitted onto its 50-seat Bombardier CRJ550 jets. “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,” says CE Scott Kirby. “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 says that it is looking to take 50 engines initially, with an option for 50 more – enough to operate 50 twin-engined aircraft by the end of the decade. Previous initiatives by ZeroAvia have focussed on the conversion of turboprop-powered aircraft; while the fuel source and powertrain is different, both ultimately deliver that power by turning a propeller. The CRJ550, meanwhile, uses twin GE Aviation CF34 jet engines. No detail on the engineering required for that conversion was immediately available. <br/>