In a groundbreaking move for the aviation industry, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and technology company ZeroAvia have announced a collaboration that could usher in the future of environmentally friendly flying. The aim of the collaboration is to conduct a demonstration flight with hydrogen-electric engines, which is to be realized by 2026.
At the heart of the project are ZeroAvia's ZA2000 engines, designed for large regional turboprop aircraft. This innovative technology uses hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which in turn drives electric motors. The only emissions from this process are low-temperature water vapor, which studies suggest could reduce climate impact by up to 90% compared to conventional kerosene flights.
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper, emphasizes the pioneering role of his airline: "KLM is committed to taking a leading position on the path to a more sustainable future of aviation. We actively support and promote innovation to drive change in the industry."
The partnership aims to realize a first flight between two airports by 2026. A number of challenges still need to be overcome, including obtaining official permits, securing the supply of liquid hydrogen and setting up the necessary refueling infrastructure.
Sergey Kiselev, Chief Business Officer of ZeroAvia, is optimistic: "The world's largest airlines are increasingly exploring hydrogen-electric as a potential solution. We look forward to working with KLM, an airline with such a rich history, as we work towards a clean future for the industry."
ZeroAvia has already made significant progress, including extensive testing of a prototype of its ZA600 engine on board a Dornier 228 aircraft, and advanced ground testing of key technologies of the ZA2000 system has been conducted in the US and UK.
This partnership between KLM and ZeroAvia could not only lay the foundation for greener flights in the KLM network, but also accelerate the development of operational concepts for hydrogen aircraft across the EU. It marks an important step towards a sustainable future of aviation, where zero-emission flights are no longer a utopia.
This post was written by: Bernhard Führer.
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