ZeroAvia has announced that ASL Aviation Holdings has signed a conditional purchase agreement for up to 20 hydrogen-electric engines. These engines will be retrofitted into its ATR regional turboprop aircraft fleet, making them some of the world's first zero-emission freight aircraft of this scale.
The firm order is for 10 engines, with an option for 10 more, and also includes an agreement for retrofit services. This builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two companies, which was announced in November 2021. ASL Aviation has now committed to paying deposits to secure delivery slots, thereby increasing ZeroAvia’s total number of delivery slots sold.
Hydrogen-electric engines utilize fuel cells to convert hydrogen fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. Since there is no fuel combustion, there are no CO2 or other climate-impacting emissions, except for low-temperature water vapour. The produced electricity powers electric motors, which in turn drive the propellers. Overall, it is estimated that fuel cell systems in aircraft could reduce in-flight emissions by around 90%. Additionally, these systems offer the added advantage of lower maintenance costs for airline operators.
ZeroAvia has successfully conducted multiple test flights of a prototype 600kW system for 10-20-seat aircraft. The company is currently working on obtaining certification from regulators. ZeroAvia has also shown consistent technical progress in testing components for its 2-5 MW system, which will support aircraft within the ATR family. ASL Airlines currently operates 13 such planes.
Exploring the potential for hydrogen-powered ATR freighter aircraft is a key component of ASL's broader ESG strategy. This effort is coupled with initiatives to reduce the existing Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions across its eight owned and joint venture airline brands. Additionally, the company has established ASL CargoVision, an industry forum, in collaboration with leading new technology companies. This forum aims to raise awareness of innovative technologies and sustainability practices for air cargo operations.
James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia said “ASL is a major player in freight and beyond, and they are forging the pathway to a sustainable future for the industry, not least in leading in the adoption of new, zero-emission propulsion technologies. Our commercial agreements are crystallizing into firmer commitments and for those looking on, that should be a clear signal of the rapid and successful technical progress we are making to deliver clean propulsion systems.”
“ASL has always believed that new lower or zero emissions propulsion technologies would be deployed first in the air cargo market, and as such our responsibility as a global leader to explore how technologies such as ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines can improve aviation sustainability. ASL’s ESG strategy commits us to reducing aviation carbon emissions, by working with industry partners like ZeroAvia and we see the use of their powertrains on ATR aircraft as a significant step forward on the road to aviation sustainability in the best interests of people and the planet” the Group Director Change Management of ASL Aviation Holdings, Robert Somers added.
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