KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and ZeroAvia have announced that they will work towards a demonstration flight using ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for large regional turboprops.
Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. The only emission is low-temperature water vapour, with studies therefore estimating an up to 90% reduction in climate impact when compared with typical kerosene-fuelled flights.
As a first major target milestone, the companies aim to conduct an initial A-to-B flight demonstration between two airport locations in 2026. As well as identifying the optimal airport pair, immediate workstreams will be working towards regulatory permits to fly and ensuring supply of liquid hydrogen fuel and putting in place the supporting infrastructure for aircraft fuelling.
“KLM aims to be a front-runner in the journey towards a more sustainable future in aviation,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director, KLM Cityhopper. “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. Together with our sector partners, we are conducting research on electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights and exploring ways to expedite these advancements.”
KLM aims to be a more sustainable airline. Supporting advanced technologies such as hydrogen and electric aviation is one of three pillars to help the aviation sector decarbonise. The maintenance divisions of KLM and Air France have already been working with ZeroAvia to build the knowledge-base for effective MRO operations for hydrogen fuel cell planes.
“The world’s largest airlines are diving in to explore hydrogen-electric as a potential solution with increasing seriousness,” said James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia. “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.”
Air France-KLM CEO to talk at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – LA, 28-30 October 2024
Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, will talk exclusively at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. He will share insights on the airline’s future plans and strategies for continued growth.
Register for FTE Global 2024 >>
