Alaska Airlines and Zeroavia are collaborating to design the globe's biggest aircraft that emits no carbon emissions.
ZeroAvia, a pioneer in hydrogen-electric aviation technology, has announced a significant partnership with Alaska Airlines. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the aviation industry and make planes greener and skies cleaner.
ZeroAvia's Innovative Technology
ZeroAvia debuted its multi-megawatt modular electric motor system in a 1.8MW prototype configuration at an event. The system consists of two "HyperCore" motor modules, each providing an unprecedented 15kW/kg motor power density. This modular design enables the technology to address applications ranging from 900kW up to 5.4MW, meeting a number of regional turbo-prop and regional jet requirements.
ZeroAvia has already demonstrated a track-record of world-first flight testing, including a flight of a retrofitted 19-seat aircraft with its prototype 600kW hydrogen-electric engine (ZA600) in January.
Alaska Airlines' Investment and Commitment
Alaska Airlines invested in ZeroAvia in 2021 to support the development of zero emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft. Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico.
Alaska Airlines has reserved one of its retired Q400 aircraft for research and development purposes to advance zero emissions technology for the aviation industry. The retrofitted Q400 aircraft will be developed by ZeroAvia and will have a seating capacity of 76.
Collaboration with De Havilland of Canada
ZeroAvia has established an engineering partnership with De Havilland of Canada, the original manufacturer of the Dash 8 family of aircraft, to enable exchange of data and expertise with the airframe. This collaboration will help in integrating ZeroAvia's powertrain with the Dash 8-400 airframe, potentially leading to a commercially viable zero-emission aircraft with fuel cell engine technology around five times more powerful than what has been demonstrated anywhere to date.
Horizon Aircraft Collaboration
While there is no recent public update or news indicating Alaska Airlines' involvement in developing the world’s largest zero-emission aircraft with ZeroAvia, the major public development involving ZeroAvia focuses on hydrogen-electric powertrains for regional and eVTOL aircraft, specifically in partnership with Horizon Aircraft on the Cavorite X7 eVTOL model powered by ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric system.
Horizon Aircraft and ZeroAvia are collaborating to address infrastructure and certification challenges, targeting zero-emission regional air mobility that can operate in remote areas. The technology includes mobile hydrogen refueling and onsite hydrogen production, supporting viability of zero-emission operations even in remote areas.
Support from Washington State
Snohomish County, as a leader in supporting innovative industries and the center of aerospace manufacturing in Washington state, supports the partnership and the development of the next generation of aviation technology. Washington State is leading the nation in developing and deploying clean energy technologies.
ZeroAvia has secured experimental certificates for its three prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs, and secured $10B in pre-orders from major global airlines. The company is a leader in zero-emission aviation, aiming to achieve a 300-mile range in 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40-80 seat aircraft by 2027.
In summary, while Alaska Airlines may not be directly developing the world's largest zero-emission aircraft with ZeroAvia, the partnership is a great step forward in aviation innovation. ZeroAvia's technology, in collaboration with Horizon Aircraft, aims to enable zero-emission regional flights and revolutionize the aviation industry.
ZeroAvia's collaborative efforts with Horizon Aircraft are set to revolutionize regional aviation, as they aim to develop a zero-emission eVTOL model powered by ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric system. This partnership embodies the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the aviation sector.
Moreover, ZeroAvia's technology, with its potential to enable zero-emission regional flights, is poised to play a significant role in the clean energy shift within the sports-related travel sector, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all.
