A new airline in the United States (US) has signed an agreement with ZeroAvia for 250 hydrogen-electric ZA2000 engines.
Flyshare, which will be operating under the name of Air Cahana, aims to be at the forefront of the “Third Golden Age of Aviation” through “sustainable aviation powered by sustainable fuels”.
According to Air Cahana, the sustainable regional air service based in Los-Angeles, California, is the first airline to launch with the sole mission of decarbonizing aviation.
Eventually, the carrier’s aim is to operate turboprops using ZeroAvia’s zero-emission propulsion systems.
Until that dream can be realised, Air Cahana will launch its aircraft using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
“We are at a turning point in aviation as we harness the power of hydrogen. By embracing this groundbreaking technology, we are making an unwavering commitment to eliminating airline emissions and dramatically reducing operating costs. With ZeroAvia’s extensive flight testing and in-house IP around core technologies, we have the perfect alliance to achieve our vision,” Tony Thompson, CEO of Air Cahana, said.
Thompson added: “Together, we are poised to revolutionize the aviation industry, setting a new standard for a greener sky and delivering an unparalleled passenger experience. This innovative collaboration positions Cahana as the frontrunner in becoming the cleanest airline in the sky.”
ZeroAvia’s novel powertrain uses hydrogen fuel in fuel cells to generate electricity and thus power electric motors to fly the aircraft with effectively zero-emissions.
“Launching a new airline is not a small challenge, but Air Cahana has an enormous advantage and can unlock a new market by being the earliest to realize the enormous operating savings and zero-emissions benefits of hydrogen-electric engines,” James Peck, Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia, said.
The partners will now collaborate on identifying the roll-out for hydrogen-electric aircraft, enhancing the prospects of zero-emission commercial flights between metropolitan areas on the West Coast of the US and beyond within the next five years.
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric system for 40–80 seat aircraft is soon to be tested aboard a 76-seat Dash 8-400, with the target of certifying the technology for use with airlines like Air Cahana, geared towards regional travel, as early as 2027.