American investors focused on hydrogen-powered aircraft
American Airlines joins investors in funding ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia announces $30 million in funding
The capital increase brings Series B to $68 million
NEOM will partner with the startup to bring fuel cell aircraft of all sizes to regional flights
Following a first-year commitment from United and Alaska Airlines, International Airlines Group (IAG) also upped its investment stake in ZeroAvia. Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, AP Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Summa Equity, and Shell Ventures are some of the other early backers.
By 2026, 40–80 seat aircraft will be powered by a two–five megawatt hydrogen electric engine, according to the startup. In order to boost range and payload, larger aircraft will use liquid hydrogen fuel rather than gaseous hydrogen fuel for smaller aircraft.
In order to facilitate live demonstrations of its Hydrogen Airport Refueling Ecosystem (HARE) and prepare for routes carrying people and cargo in the next few years, ZeroAvia will use the most recent round of funding to deploy building infrastructure at airport sites.
Here’s where NEOM comes into play. The new investor just opened the Hydrogen Innovation and Development Centre and claims to be able to manufacture green hydrogen on a large scale. Zero Avia and NEOM will collaborate to expand the use of fuel cell aircraft on regional flights.
