American Airlines is to invest in hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia and has signalled that it may place orders for up to 100 zero-emission regional jet aircraft engines.

Derek Kerr, American’s chief financial officer, said the investment in ZeroAvia’s emerging hydrogen-electric engine technology has the potential to play a key role in the future of sustainable aviation, adding that the airline was looking forward to exploring how these engines can support the future of American.

ZeroAvia is working to achieve certain type certifications of its innovative propulsion technology that will pave the way for the engines to be incorporated into the regional jet market in the future. The ZA2000-RJ powertrain is anticipated to enable passengers to fly in zero-emission regional jets as early as the late 2020s.

Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia founder & CEO, added: “Having support from the world’s largest airline is a strong indication of the progress we’re making on the development of hydrogen-electric, zero-emission flight. We are focused on delivering sustainable travel, and are delighted that American, a visionary leader in the industry, sees ZeroAvia as a part of the future of aviation.”

ZeroAvia said the commercial and investment deal with American is helping to drive its hydrogen-electric powertrain technologies and Hydrogen Airport Refueling Ecosystem (HARE), and builds on agreements with Ravn Alaska, MONTE, MHIRJ, Otto Aviation, Shell, Edmonton International Airport and PowerCell.