The hydrogen-electric powertrain will be implemented into a De Havilland DHC-8-400 (Q400) aircraft as Alaskan Air looks to bolster is zero-emission portfolio by exploring new, innovative technologies such as hydrogen.

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ZeroAvia has stated that the two companies will work together to scale the ZA2000 powertrain platform which is currently capable of producing a 500-mile range and between 2,000 and 5,000KW of power.

To support development of the project, ZeroAvia will set up a new location in the Seattle area with Alaska Air having already secured 50 conversion kits to start transitioning its regional aircraft to hydrogen-electric power.

Alaska Air will also join as a top investor in ZeroAvia.

Diana Birkett Rakow, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Sustainability for Alaska Airlines, said, “Alaska is committed to creating a sustainable future for aviation, working on all aspects of a five-part path toward our goal of net zero by 2040.

“We are honoured to partner with ZeroAvia’s innovative and forward-thinking team, to support their progress developing zero-emissions aviation, and to collaborate for real-world hydrogen aviation success.”

Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia, said, “The aviation industry is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize; however, with this collaboration, we are one step closer to achieving our goal of making our skies emission-free.

“We are thrilled to see Alaska taking the lead to implement clean technologies into their operations and look forward to putting boots on the ground with Alaska’s team.”