The Californian startup ZeroAvia, which develops hydrogen-powered propulsion systems for aircraft, receives money from funds in a financing round in which Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos are involved. 21, 4 million US dollars were raised in a financing round at Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Bezos’ Amazon Climate Pledge Fund are involved, according to a press release.

ZeroAvia also partnered with British Airways and received approval from the UK government for new funding for additional 16 , 3 million US dollars, the startup announced. Since its inception, it has collected almost 21 million US dollars in investments.

20 seats, 800 Kilometers ZeroAvia wants from 2023 Drive trains for jets with up to 20 seats and 800 kilometers of range on the market. With the fresh money, it can accelerate the development work, reports ZeroAvia. A good ten airlines are currently showing interest in the company’s technology. Until 2026 planes for 80 Passengers and 800 kilometers and to 2030 for 100 passengers and 1600 Kilometers of range can be equipped with hydrogen technology, is the goal.

In September 2020 takes off a hydrogen piper.

Airbus also wants to build jets that run on fuel cells. The aircraft manufacturer recently entered into a cooperation with the German automotive supplier Elring Klinger. As part of the ZEROe project, the first emission-free commercially operated aircraft should be ready by 2035.

A pure battery drive would push in in aviation over longer distances or for larger aircraft because of the limited service life and weight to its limits, Elring Klinger advertises its technology. Fuel cells, however, are a powerful alternative.

(anw)