United claims it has become the largest airline to invest in zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft.
The move takes it closer to achieving its goal to be 100% green by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
Thanks to a new equity stake in ZeroAvia, a hydrogen-electric specialist, United expects to buy up to 100 of the company’s zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines.
The engine could be fitted to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028.
Scott Kirby, chief executive of United, said: “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.”
Hydrogen-electric engines use electricity created by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell to power an electric motor instead of burning fossil fuel.
Because no fuel is burned, there are no climate-harming emissions or carbon released into the atmosphere when the engines are operated.
In September 2020, ZeroAvia completed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft
On December 1, United made aviation history by operating the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel, from Chicago to Washington DC.
The flight showcased the safety of sustainable aviation fuel and the potential for a reduced carbon footprint for aviation.