Japan Airlines exploring hydrogen-powered regional flights

Japan Airlines is courting a trio of advanced propulsion developers at it explores the possibilities of hydrogen-powered regional aviation. The Tokyo-based airline said on 16 November that it has “basic agreements” with H2FLY, Universal Hydrogen and ZeroAvia, and that it is working with the three competing hydrogen propulsion start-ups “to study the safety, economic feasibility and maintainability for bringing hydrogen-fueled, next-generation aircraft” to Japan. The deals were confirmed by the start-ups, all of which are developing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for regional aircraft. Such systems use hydrogen in fuel cells to make electricity and power electric motors. The technologies are still under development, though all three companies achieved milestone flights in 2023 and ZeroAvia is preparing to submit a certification proposal for its ZA600 powertrain to UK aviation regulators. ZeroAvia is also advancing its second engine platform, the ZA2000, which is a hydrogen-electric propulsion system designed for 40-90 seat regional aircraft that it plans to enter into service in 2027. That platform will be well-suited for 48-seat ATR 42s and 70-seat ATR 72s operated by Japan Air Commuter, which operates under the wing of JAL. “As part of the agreement, Japan Airlines and ZeroAvia will collaborate on assessing operational parameters for retrofit hydrogen-electric aircraft for existing and prospective routes, as well as collaborating to define pathways for regulation, retrofit operations, hydrogen fuel infrastructure and engine maintenance, repair and overhaul,” ZeroAvia says.<br/>