KLM and ZeroAvia plan zero-emission flight demonstration

Credit: ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia and KLM Dutch Airlines have announced that they will be working towards a demo flight using ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for a large regional turboprop.

Hydrogen-electric engine systems use hydrogen in fuel cells, generating electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. Low-temperature water vapour is the only emission, with studies estimating a 90% reduction in climate impact when compared to kerosene fuelled flights.

The companies are aiming to conduct an initial A-to-B flight demonstration between two airport locations in 2026. Immediate workstreams will be working towards regulatory permits to fly, ensuring supply of liquid hydrogen fuel, putting in place a supply of liquid hydrogen and supporting infrastructure for aircraft fuelling.

With this collaboration, KLM and ZeroAvia are providing the evidence-base for adoption of cleaner flight on KLM’s network. Furthermore, the demonstration project will accelerate the development of concepts of operations for hydrogen aircraft across the EU.  

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 knowledgebase for effective MRO operations for hydrogen fuel cell planes. 

James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia, said: “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, KLM Cityhopper said: “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. Together with our sector partners, we are conducting research on electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights and exploring ways to expedite these advancements.” 

ZeroAvia has already extensively tested a prototype of its first ZA600-engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base. The company has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks or LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. ZA2000 will support up to 80 seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 or the Dash 8 400.