Eventually, it is expected that there will be an increased presence of AI in the aviation industry. Patel suggests that AI will understand scheduling. Credit: Pixabay.

ZeroAvia has partnered with Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂) transportation company Absolut Hydrogen in order to explore LH₂ production, storage, and refueling.

The development of robust airport infrastructure will lead to the powering up to 80 seat aircraft by 2027.

Arnab Chaterjee, Infrastructure VP at ZeroAvia, said: “As well as building our in-house liquid hydrogen knowledge over the last few months, it has been critical to establish partnerships to begin building the ecosystem that can deliver liquid hydrogen fuel for larger aircraft, at larger airport locations.

“Retaining and growing aviation will bring us all closer together and keep the world small, but it depends upon this quest for zero-emission aviation being successful.”

Liquefaction and liquid hydrogen storage will be built for airports to explore technology developments, concept of operations, safety procedures, and standards for larger-scale deliveries of LH₂ to aircraft.

Absolut Hydrogen has experience in developing LH₂ systems for heavy duty mobility for aeronautical, maritime, and land applications.

The company will offer a full LH₂ product range, including an entry small scale hydrogen liquefaction system (<50 kg/day), a 100 kg/day Turbo-Brayton based Hydrogen liquefier, and a 1 tonne/day liquefier ZeroAvia’s first certified powertrains for up to 19 seat aircraft are expected to be powered by gaseous hydrogen.

The 2 MW-5.4 MW modular powertrain for 40-80 seat aircraft, ZA2000, will require LH₂ for its estimated entry into service in 2027.

LH₂ will improve the volumetric energy density of fuel and support larger aircraft, to encourage flying more passengers, on longer typical routes.

Jérôme Lacapère, CEO of Absolut Hydrogen, said: “This partnership with ZeroAvia is an opportunity to take a new step towards a more sustainable aviation.

“Liquid hydrogen is considered the most advantageous state for tomorrow’s aviation and heavy-duty mobility in general, and Absolut Hydrogen enables its availability thanks to its Hydrogen liquefiers. I am convinced this partnership will lead to new standards on liquid hydrogen infrastructure for aircrafts.”