Powertrain developer ZeroAvia and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have announced they will work together on a demonstration flight using ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines for a large regional turboprop.
The first target milestone is to conduct an A-to-B flight demonstration between two airports in 2026. With this partnership, KLM and ZeroAvia will work together to provide the evidence base for the adoption of cleaner flights on KLM’s regional network.
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM’s regional airline, 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.”
ZeroAvia has already extensively tested its smaller ZA600 engine prototype aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft. The “key building block” technologies for the ZA2000, including cryogenic tanks and a high-temperature PEM fuel cell, have also been tested via advanced ground tests in the US and UK.
The ZA2000 will support the flight of an up to 80-seat regional turboprop, like the ATR 72 or Dash 8-400.
James Peck, Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia, added, “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.”
Photo: ZeroAvia
