United Airlines invests in hydrogen propulsion
United expects to buy up to 100 hydrogen fuel cell engines from technology firm Zeroavia
US aviation firm United Airlines has become the largest airline to invest in hydrogen fuel cell engines by taking an equity stake in technology firm Zeroavia. United expects to buy up to 100 of the firm’s hydrogen-electric engines, which it hopes can be retrofitted to existing United regional aircraft by 2028. “Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology,” says United CEO Scott Kirby. “This backing by our investors will enable us to accelerate delivery of our engine for larger aircraft” Miftakhov, Zeroavia “United continues to loo
Also in this section
25 February 2026
Low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia development is advancing much more slowly and unevenly than once expected, with high costs and policy uncertainty thinning investment. Meanwhile, surging energy demand is reinforcing the role of natural gas and LNG as the backbone of the global energy system, panellists at LNG2026 said
18 February 2026
Norwegian energy company has dropped a major hydrogen project and paused its CCS expansion plans as demand fails to materialise
4 February 2026
Europe’s largest electrolyser manufacturers are losing patience with policymakers as sluggish growth in the green hydrogen sector undermines their decision to expand production capacity
2 February 2026
As a fertiliser feedstock, it is indispensable, but ammonia’s potential as a carbon-free energy carrier is also making it central to global decarbonisation strategies
