American Airlines will invest capital in Universal Hydrogen Co. Also, the company is building a green hydrogen logistics and distribution network for the aviation sector.
Investments
Primarily, the investment supports American Airlines’ goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Moreover, it revolves around its commitment to achieving zero net GHG emissions by 2050.
As a result, AA will become the first U.S. airline to make two direct investments focused on developing hydrogen-electric propulsion technology and the future of hydrogen distribution logistics.
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Distribution Network
Universal Hydrogen’s network uses modular hydrogen capsules. Also, these are handled as cargo, eliminating the need for new fueling infrastructure at airports and speeding up refueling operations.
Additionally, Universal Hydrogen plans to begin deliveries for regional aircraft in 2025. And it plans to expand its services to larger aircraft.
Technology
This sector is measured to account for two-thirds of aviation emissions. With green hydrogen being a carbon-free fuel, its use in the industry will put it on track to meet the Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets.
As the world’s largest airline, American is responsible for exercising 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. This technology can be a game-changer on the industry’s path to zero-emission flight.
Derek Kerr, chief financial officer, American Airlines.
Strategic Investors
Through this investment, AA joins Airbus Ventures, GE Aviation, and Toyota Ventures; other major producers and aircraft lessors; and strategic investors in Universal Hydrogen.
Together with our investors, we are building the end-to-end value chain to make hydrogen aviation a commercial reality in the near term.
Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen.
Finally, this move by American Airlines is a sign that customers want a proper zero-emissions solution for passenger aviation.
About AA
On April 15, 1926, Charles Lindberg piloted American Airlines’ first flight, carrying U.S. mail between St. Louis, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. After eight years of flying mail routes, the airline began to grow into what it is today.
C.R Smith, the founder of American, worked with Donald Douglas to create the DC-3, an aircraft that changed the entire aviation industry. It transformed the company’s revenue stream from mail to passengers.
Universal Hydrogen
Founded in the early 2020s by a group of experienced engineers and innovators and backed by world-class investors. The company was built around a pragmatic, near-term approach to making commercial hydrogen flight a reality.
