Air Cahana Signs Deal for 250 Zero-Emission ZA2000 Engines with ZeroAvia
Flyshare, soon to operate as Air Cahana, a new airline in the United States (US), has announced a significant agreement with ZeroAvia for the procurement of 250 cutting-edge hydrogen-electric ZA2000 engines.
Air Cahana, a sustainable regional air service based in Los Angeles, California, is determined to lead the “Third Golden Age of Aviation” with a strong focus on eco-friendly aviation powered by sustainable fuels. As the first airline with a mission to decarbonize aviation, the company aims to revolutionize the industry by utilizing ZeroAvia’s zero-emission propulsion systems to operate turboprops in the future.
In the meantime, Air Cahana plans to begin its operations using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to reduce its carbon footprint. Tony Thompson, the CEO of Air Cahana, expressed his enthusiasm about the groundbreaking technology, stating, “We are at a turning point in aviation as we harness the power of hydrogen. By embracing this technology, we are committed to eliminating airline emissions and significantly reducing operating costs. With ZeroAvia’s flight testing expertise and in-house IP, we have the perfect partnership to achieve our vision.”
James Peck, Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia, commended Air Cahana’s initiative, emphasizing that the airline has a unique advantage in the market by being an early adopter of hydrogen-electric engines, leading to substantial operating savings and zero-emission benefits.
The collaboration between Air Cahana and ZeroAvia aims to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-electric aircraft, paving the way for zero-emission commercial flights between metropolitan areas on the West Coast of the US and beyond within the next five years.
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric system, designed for 40–80 seat aircraft, is undergoing testing on a 76-seat Dash 8-400, with plans to certify the technology for airlines like Air Cahana, focused on regional travel, as early as 2027. This partnership holds the potential to set a new standard for environmentally-friendly air travel, positioning Air Cahana as a leading advocate for sustainability in the aviation industry.