KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has agreed to take part in a demonstration flight, in which the company will use ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engine. During the flight the engine will be equipped to a large regional turboprop.

This agreement and the initial A-to-B flight demonstration has been planned for 2026 and it will be carried out between two airport locations, with the use of ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 system. However before this can take place, the immediate workstreams will be focused on ensuring that regular permits to fly are secured, along with a supply of liquid hydrogen fuel. They will also be tasked with putting in place the supporting infrastructure for aircraft fuelling.

One of the reasons behind this project going ahead is that, KLM requires the ability to produce evidence of the company’s adoption of cleaner fuel throughout its network. This is due to the company’s aim to align with one of its three pillars, which is to aid in the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. Moreover, there is also potential for development for other operations with hydrogen aircrafts across the EU.

Managing Director at KLM Cityhopper, Maarten Koopmans, commented, “KLM aims to be a front-runner in the journey towards a sustainable future in aviation. When it comes to the future of zero-emission flights, KLM supports various technologies and innovations simultaneously. Together with our sector partners, we are conducting research on electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered flights and exploring ways to expedite these advancements.”