American Airlines announced a strategic capital investment in Universal Hydrogen, a company that builds a green hydrogen logistics and distribution network for aviation.
This operation is part of the airline’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and ultimately its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In doing so, the airline would become the first US carrier to make two direct investments focused on developing both hydrogen electric propulsion technologies and the future of logistics of hydrogen distribution.
The universal hydrogen fuel distribution network uses modular hydrogen capsules managed as a commodity, eliminating the need for new airport refueling infrastructures and accelerating refueling operations.
Universal Hydrogen wants to start hydrogen deliveries for regional jets in 2025, with plans to expand their services to larger single-aisle aircraft, first as auxiliary power in the late 2020s and then as primary fuel in the mid-2030s. As these segments account for two thirds of aviation emissions and since Green hydrogen is a truly carbon-free fuel, these advances put aviation on track to meet the Paris Agreement emissions targets.
“This technology has the potential to be a game changer on the industry’s path to zero-emissions flight,” said Derek Kerr, US Chief Financial Officer. “As the world’s largest airline, American has a responsibility to exercise leadership in making aviation sustainable. Our investment in Universal Hydrogen represents a vote of confidence in green hydrogen as a key element of a sustainable future for our industry. “
American joins Airbus Ventures, GE Aviation and Toyota Ventures, as well as several major hydrogen manufacturers and aircraft charterers, as strategic investors in Universal Hydrogen. “Together with our investors, we are putting together the end-to-end value chain to make aeronautical hydrogen a commercial reality in the short term,” said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen. “This move by American is one strong signal that customers want a true zero-emission solution for passenger aviation and they are willing to take tangible and pragmatic steps to get there quickly. “
