Without specifying where or the type of aircraft, the Dutch airline KLM (partner of Air France) is planning a flight between two airports within the next two years. And the aircraft will be carrying liquid hydrogen.

The announcement was made a few days ago at the Farnborough Air Show in England. This is the equivalent of the Paris Air Show. “The world’s largest airlines are diving in to explore hydrogen-electric as a potential solution with increasing seriousness” says James Peck, Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia. “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 of KLM Cityhopper comments: “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 been testing liquid hydrogen

The American start-up has already extensively tested a prototype of its first ZA600 engine on board a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base. ZeroAvia has also carried out advanced ground tests in the US and UK for its ZA2000 electric-hydrogen propulsion chain, including cryogenic or liquid hydrogen tanks and its high-temperature PEM fuel cell. It can power regional turboprop aircraft with up to 80 seats, such as the ATR72 or Dash 8 40.

The start-up has submitted its first powertrain for aircraft with up to 20 seats for certification, with a target date of the end of 2025, and is working on a larger powertrain for aircraft with 40 to 80 seats by 2027.

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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King