KLM Plans Hydrogen-Powered Test Flight with ZeroAvia

KLM partners with ZeroAvia to conduct a hydrogen-powered test flight within the next two years, aiming to revolutionize sustainable aviation with near-zero emissions.

Dutch airline KLM is set to make significant strides in sustainable aviation by partnering with ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric aviation technology, to conduct a hydrogen-powered test flight within the next two years. This collaboration aims to showcase the potential of liquid hydrogen as a viable and environmentally friendly fuel source for large regional jets.
Hydrogen-Electric Engines: The Future of Sustainable Aviation

The test flight will be powered by ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines, which utilize hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity. This electricity then powers the aircraft's electric motors, which in turn drive the propellers. The only byproduct of this process is low-temperature water vapor, making it a near-zero-emission technology.

A study by Clean Sky and McKinsey has indicated that hydrogen-powered combustion could reduce in-flight climate impact by 50 to 75 percent, while fuel-cell propulsion could achieve reductions between 75 and 90 percent compared to traditional jet fuel.

Demonstration Flight and Infrastructure Development

KLM plans to conduct the initial A-to-B demonstration flight between two airport locations in 2026, providing critical data for the future adoption of hydrogen-powered flights within KLM’s network. The project will not only identify the optimal airport pair for this demonstration but will also focus on securing regulatory permits, ensuring a reliable supply of liquid hydrogen fuel, and establishing the necessary infrastructure for aircraft fueling.

“When it comes to the future of zero-emission flights, KLM supports various technologies and innovations simultaneously,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper. “Together with our sector partners, we are conducting research on electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights and exploring ways to expedite these advancements.”

Hydrogen-Powered Ground Operations at Schiphol

This announcement aligns with Amsterdam Schiphol's recent trials of a new hydrogen-based facility designed to power aircraft on the ground. The facility is part of a broader effort to integrate hydrogen into both ground operations and in-flight technology, further reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.

ZeroAvia, which recently secured a $116 million investment in a 2023 funding round, continues to push the boundaries of sustainable aviation. “The world’s largest airlines are diving in to explore hydrogen-electric as a potential solution with increasing seriousness,” said Sergey Kiselev, ZeroAvia’s Chief Business Officer.

KLM’s partnership with ZeroAvia represents a bold step toward achieving zero-emission flights. This innovative project could set a new standard for sustainable aviation, demonstrating the practical application of hydrogen technology in commercial air travel.