American Airlines has made an equity investment in Universal Hydrogen, the California-based company building a green hydrogen distribution and logistics network for aviation. The October 10 announcement follows an agreement in August under which the carrier provisionally agreed with Universal's competitor ZeroAvia to convert up to 100 regional jets with its hydrogen propulsion system.
Universal Hydrogen’s business plan involves a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain that it will use to convert regional airliners such as the de Havilland Dash 8 and ATR 72 twin turboprops. Its concept calls for the supply of green hydrogen to airports in capsules fitted directly into a compartment at the rear of the aircraft fuselage, eliminating the need for new fueling infrastructure and speeding fuel-loading operations. The company expects to fly its first hydrogen-powered Dash 8 by the end of this year.
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