FutureFlight
United Airlines Signs As Investor and Customer For ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Conversion Kit
United Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in latest round of funding for ZeroAvia, whose ZA-2000RJ hydrogen propulsion system could power Bombardier CRJ550 regional airlinerss by 2028.
Bombardier CRJ550 powered by hydrogen
ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric propulsion system could power United Express CRJ550 regional aircraft by 2028. (Image: United Airlines)

United Airlines today joined Alaska Airlines in committing to a new, $35 million round of capital investment in ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric propulsion system, bringing total financing for the project to $115 million. The new equity stake for United gives the Chicago-based airline rights to buy up to 100 of the zero-emission ZA-2000RJ engines, which could power United Express regional jets by 2028.

United specified 50-seat Bombardier CRJ550 regional jets as “one potential use” for the engine. Using the same airframe as the 70-seat CRJ700, the CRJ550 features a two-class cabin that holds 20 fewer passenger seats. United Express affiliate GoJet, which served as the CRJ550 program’s launch customer in 2019 has converted more than 50 of its CRJ700s to the 50-seat configuration.