Itochu invests in U.S. hydrogen aircraft engine maker ZeroAvia

Japanese trading company Itochu announced on Tuesday that it has invested in ZeroAvia, a California-based company that makes hydrogen-electric engines for airplanes. Under this agreement, Itochu will be ZeroAvia's distributor in Asia and will also work together with ZeroAvia to develop infrastructure for supplying hydrogen fuel at airports. The amount of the investment was not disclosed.

This is Itochu's first investment in a company that develops hydrogen engines for aircraft. Itochu will use its connections in the aviation industry, including its group companies Japan Aerospace, which sells aircraft, and Jamco, which makes materials for airplane interiors.

Fuel cells generate electricity through chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. In January 2023, ZeroAvia successfully tested a 19-seat aircraft with its hydrogen-electric engine. ZeroAvia plans to get certification for engines used in aircraft that carry 40-80 passengers by 2027, and later for engines used in 200-seat aircraft. The company has already received preorders from major airlines for almost 2,000 engines.

ZeroAvia is also working with aircraft manufacturers like Airbus, energy companies, and airports to advance its hydrogen-electric technology.