California-Based Air Cahana Places 250 Engine Order with ZeroAvia

June 23, 2023

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ZeroAvia today announced that it has signed an agreement to provide 250 hydrogen-electric ZA2000 engines to Flyshare, Inc., which will be operating under the name of Air Cahana and pioneering disruptive sustainable regional air service in California and the West Coast of the United States.

Los Angeles-based Air Cahana is the first airline launched solely with a mission to decarbonize aviation. Air Cahana will deliver sustainable flight, beginning with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and then adopt zero emission propulsion technology as the technology enters the market. The company is targeting operations of turboprops using ZeroAvia’s zero-emission propulsion systems, in order to play its part in delivering a third golden era of aviation powered by clean flight.

ZeroAvia’s novel powertrain uses hydrogen fuel in fuel cells to generate electricity and thus power electric motors to fly the aircraft with effectively zero-emissions.

The partners will now collaborate on identifying the roll-out for hydrogen-electric aircraft, enhancing the prospects of zero-emission commercial flights between metropolitan areas on the West Coast of the U.S. and beyond within the next five years.

James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia, said: “Launching a new airline is not a small challenge, but Air Cahana has an enormous advantage and can unlock a new market by being the earliest to realize the enormous operating savings and zero-emissions benefits of hydrogen-electric engines.”

Tony Thompson, CEO of Air Cahana, said: “We are at a turning point in aviation as we harness the power of hydrogen. By embracing this groundbreaking technology, we are making an unwavering commitment to eliminating airline emissions and dramatically reducing operating costs. With ZeroAvia's extensive flight testing and in-house IP around core technologies, we have the perfect alliance to achieve our vision. Together, we are poised to revolutionize the aviation industry, setting a new standard for a greener sky and delivering an unparalleled passenger experience. This innovative collaboration positions Cahana as the frontrunner in becoming the cleanest airline in the sky.”

ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric system for 40–80 seat aircraft is soon to be tested aboard a 76-seat Dash 8-400, with a target of certifying the technology for use with airlines like Air Cahana geared for regional travel as early as 2027. The company has made significant advances on both its electric motor technology and fuel cell power generation.

Source : ZeroAvia