CHICAGO: United Airlines has invested in UK-based, hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia as part of a plan to retrofit as many as 50 United Express jet aircraft from 2028.

The manufacturer is developing hydrogen-based technology that uses a fuel cell to power an electric motor to replace a conventional jet engine.

The Initial engine market is a 500-mile range, 10–20 seat aircraft currently used for passenger transport or package delivery.

The first commercial flight using a 19-seat aircraft is scheduled in 2024 between London and Rotterdam The Hague airport.

United joins existing investors Alaska Air Group and British Airways in the new US$35 million round together with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, AP Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Summa Equity, and Shell Ventures.

The new funding will be used to develop an engine for 40-80 seat turboprop aircraft by 2026 and regional jets by 2028.

"Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology," said United CEO Scott Kirby.

Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov added: "The United Express routes powered by hydrogen-electric aircraft will [enable] large numbers of passengers to take zero-emission flights well within this decade."

The new funding brings total investment in ZeroAvia to US$115 million and partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Rose Cay, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, ASL Aviation Holdings, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jet division and Rotterdam the Hague Airport.

The company has already secured experimental certificates for its two prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA and is supported by grants from the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK.