American Airlines yesterday announced its strategic equity investment in Universal Hydrogen, a company working to build hydrogen distribution and logistics networks for aviation.
This way, the airline will become the first in the United States to invest in both the study and development of green hydrogen propulsion technologies and the subsequent distribution of the fuel. The company will join Airbus Ventures, GE Aviation and Toyota Ventures, as well as several hydrogen producers, as strategic partners of Universal Hydrogen.
American Airlines said the move is part of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. The company could use Universal Hydrogen on its fleet of single-aisle, short-range regional aircraft.
Universal Hydrogen’s distribution network uses modular hydrogen capsules that are handled like cargo. As a result, the element can be transported without the need to build new refuelling infrastructure.
It is currently focusing its developments on the narrow-body regional aircraft market. This segment offers the most viable decarbonisation opportunities in the short term. The company is working on the conversion of propulsion systems of currently operating aircraft.
As reported by Universal Hydrogen, it plans to start hydrogen deliveries for regional aircraft in 2025. Plans include later expansion of services to larger narrow-body aircraft, first as auxiliary power by the end of this decade and then as a primary fuel in the mid-2030s.
«This technology has the potential to be a game-changer on the industry’s path to zero-emission flight», commented Derek Kerr, American Airlines’ CFO. «Our investment in Universal Hydrogen represents a vote of confidence for green hydrogen as a key element of a sustainable future for our industry», he added.
«his move by American is a strong signal that customers want a true zero-emissions solution for passenger aviation and are willing to back tangible, pragmatic steps to get there quickly», said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen.
