Sustainable Aviation
JetZero and SHZ Partner for Liquid Hydrogen Storage in Aviation
JetZero and SHZ collaborate on LH2 storage tech for Z4 aircraft, advancing zero-emission commercial flight with NASA support and US manufacturing.
JetZero and SHZ Advanced Technologies Partnership: Pioneering Liquid Hydrogen Storage Solutions for Next-Generation Aviation
The Commercial-Aircraft sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation as it seeks to address the urgent need for decarbonization. Among the most promising solutions is hydrogen-powered flight, an area now propelled forward by the partnership between JetZero and SHZ Advanced Technologies. Announced in August 2025 under NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 program, this collaboration brings together JetZero’s innovative Z4 blended-wing-body aircraft and SHZ’s proprietary liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage and distribution technologies. The joint effort aims to solve one of commercial aviation’s most complex challenges: enabling zero-emission flight at scale while maintaining operational viability.
The partnership is set against a backdrop of rapid growth in the hydrogen aircraft market, which is projected to expand from $1.13 billion in 2024 to as much as $28.89 billion by 2034. This surge reflects both technological advancements and increasing regulatory and societal pressure to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. The technical and infrastructural hurdles, such as storing LH2 at -253°C and integrating it into advanced airframes, make this alliance a crucial test case for the future of sustainable flight.
The Genesis of Hydrogen Aviation and Market Context
Hydrogen has emerged as a leading candidate for achieving net-zero emissions in aviation by 2050. The market for hydrogen aircraft is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with North-America at the forefront. The U.S. alone represented $370 million of the 2024 market and is forecasted to reach $9.59 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by industry commitments, regulatory frameworks, and government investments, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s $750 million program for advanced hydrogen technologies.
The urgency is underscored by aviation’s significant contribution to global emissions and the limitations of alternatives like sustainable aviation fuels and battery-electric propulsion. Hydrogen’s high gravimetric energy density, about three times that of jet fuel, makes it attractive for long-haul flights, though its low volumetric density requires innovative storage and airframe solutions. These technical realities have pushed manufacturers and startups alike to pursue novel aircraft configurations and fuel systems.
The competitive landscape is diverse, with established players like Airbus aiming for hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035 and startups such as ZeroAvia demonstrating hydrogen-electric propulsion in flight tests. Regulatory bodies, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), are actively working with industry and academia to develop certification pathways, highlighting the sector’s recognition of hydrogen’s potential and the challenges that must be overcome.
“The move to sustainable aviation is a global project necessitating a harmonised approach.” — Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director
JetZero’s Revolutionary Aircraft Design and Strategic Position
JetZero’s Z4 aircraft stands out for its blended-wing-body design, a radical departure from the traditional tube-and-wing configuration. This architecture distributes lift across the entire airframe, reducing drag and enabling up to 50% greater fuel efficiency. The Z4 is designed to carry approximately 250 passengers over 5,000 nautical miles, targeting the middle market between narrow-body and wide-body jets.
By mounting engines on top of the fuselage, the Z4 also significantly lowers noise pollution, up to four times less for surrounding communities, while its wide cabin allows for flexible seating and cargo arrangements. Importantly, the aircraft is compatible with existing airport infrastructure, easing adoption for Airlines and airports.
JetZero’s strategic partnerships further reinforce its position. United Airlines has invested in the company, securing options for up to 200 Z4 aircraft, while Delta Air Lines is providing operational insights through its Sustainable Skies Lab. Manufacturing is anchored by a $4.7 billion facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, expected to create over 14,500 jobs and leverage advanced digital and AI-driven production techniques.
SHZ Advanced Technologies: Expertise in Hydrogen Storage Solutions
SHZ Advanced Technologies, founded in France by Eric and Jean Michel Schulz, brings a portfolio of 14 patents covering non-conventional LH2 storage and compression-pump technologies. Eric Schulz’s extensive background includes leadership roles at Airbus and Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, providing SHZ with deep industry insight and credibility.
SHZ’s innovations address the core challenge of safely storing and distributing LH2 at -253°C, a necessity for hydrogen aviation. Their tanks are engineered to match the curved geometry of the Z4, optimizing weight and space while minimizing hydrogen boil-off to just 0.2% per day. This is critical for commercial operations, where fuel loss during ground time can impact both economics and range.
The company’s experience in ground and maritime hydrogen applications also informs its aviation solutions, allowing for cross-sector technology transfer. Their compression-pump systems facilitate precise hydrogen delivery to propulsion systems, whether fuel cells or modified turbines, under the demanding conditions of flight.
NASA’s AACES Program and Federal Investment in Sustainable Aviation
The JetZero-SHZ collaboration is supported by NASA’s AACES 2050 program, which awarded $11.5 million in grants to advance sustainable aircraft concepts. JetZero’s grant focuses on enabling cryogenic LH2 as aviation fuel, a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from flight.
NASA’s approach is collaborative, bringing together private industry, academia, and research agencies to tackle the multifaceted challenges of sustainable aviation. The AACES program is part of a broader federal strategy that includes significant funding for hydrogen research and international cooperation, such as the UK’s hydrogen production initiatives.
These investments recognize that achieving transformative change in aviation requires coordinated efforts across the ecosystem, from technology development to regulatory frameworks and infrastructure deployment.
Technical Integration Challenges and Solutions
Integrating LH2 storage into the Z4’s blended-wing-body airframe requires advanced cryogenic engineering. SHZ’s tanks are designed to follow the fuselage’s contours, distributing weight efficiently while maximizing usable volume. State-of-the-art insulation and composite shells help maintain extremely low temperatures and minimize boil-off.
Fuel distribution systems must safely transport LH2 from tanks to engines or fuel cells, requiring vacuum-jacketed lines and precise flow control. The choice between hydrogen combustion and fuel cells affects system complexity and efficiency: fuel cells offer about 50% greater range for the same hydrogen mass, but have shorter operational lifespans than turbines.
The Z4’s aerodynamic design provides a natural advantage, as its wide body can accommodate bulky hydrogen tanks without sacrificing passenger capacity. This, combined with SHZ’s storage technology, positions the partnership to set new standards for hydrogen integration in commercial aircraft.
“Fuel cell-powered aircraft would achieve about 50% more range than hydrogen internal combustion aircraft for the same amount of hydrogen.” — IDTechEx Research
Market Analysis and Competitive Positioning
The hydrogen aircraft market is segmented by passenger capacity and range. While early adoption focuses on regional and short-haul aircraft (<100 passengers), the Z4’s 250-seat design targets the “above 200” segment, which is poised for growth as hydrogen technology matures.
North America leads current market demand, but Asia-Pacific is expected to see the fastest growth, driven by rising incomes, passenger numbers, and government support for hydrogen infrastructure. JetZero’s Greensboro facility gives it strategic access to the largest current market and a platform for international expansion.
The competitive landscape includes both legacy manufacturers and startups. Airbus and Boeing are developing hydrogen concepts, while ZeroAvia and others are advancing hydrogen-electric propulsion for smaller aircraft. The diversity of approaches suggests that multiple solutions may coexist, tailored to different mission profiles and market needs.
Infrastructure and Certification Challenges
Widespread adoption of hydrogen aviation depends on developing new airport infrastructure for LH2 storage, fueling, and safety. Cryogenic tanks must be located outside operational areas, and specialized equipment is needed to handle hydrogen’s unique properties. These requirements entail significant investment and coordination among stakeholders.
Certification is another major hurdle. Regulatory bodies are working to define standards for hydrogen aircraft, but the lack of operational experience presents challenges. International workshops, such as EASA’s December 2024 event, are fostering dialogue among manufacturers, regulators, and researchers to address safety, airworthiness, and operational procedures.
Companies like ZeroAvia are navigating dual certification tracks in the US and UK, reflecting the need for harmonized international standards. The timeline for regulatory approval aligns with JetZero’s plans for flight demonstrations in 2027 and commercial entry in the early 2030s.
Economic Impact and Manufacturing Strategy
JetZero’s $4.7 billion facility in Greensboro is one of the largest aerospace manufacturing investments in US history. The project is expected to create over 14,500 jobs, with a focus on advanced digital and AI-driven manufacturing to enhance efficiency and quality.
The facility’s location at Piedmont Triad International Airport provides access to skilled labor and existing aviation infrastructure. JetZero is partnering with academic institutions to develop workforce training programs, ensuring a pipeline of talent for advanced aerospace production.
At full capacity, the plant aims to produce up to 20 Z4 aircraft per month by the late 2030s. This scale positions JetZero as a significant new entrant in commercial aviation, supporting US manufacturing competitiveness and export potential.
Global Context and International Developments
The JetZero-SHZ partnership is part of a broader international movement toward hydrogen aviation. The EU’s Clean Aviation program is developing both fuel cell and hydrogen combustion aircraft concepts, targeting 100% in-flight CO2 reduction and leveraging phased technology demonstrations through 2026 and beyond.
Established manufacturers like Airbus and Rolls-Royce are investing in hydrogen research, while government programs in the US, UK, and elsewhere are providing funding and policy support for hydrogen infrastructure and R&D.
International coordination on standards, infrastructure, and technology sharing will be essential for scaling hydrogen aviation and ensuring safety and interoperability across global markets.
Safety Considerations and Risk Management
Hydrogen’s properties, high explosiveness and cryogenic temperatures, necessitate robust safety measures in aircraft design, ground handling, and operations. SHZ’s experience in hydrogen logistics across multiple sectors informs its risk mitigation strategies, including advanced insulation, containment, and emergency systems.
Regulatory authorities are prioritizing safety in certification discussions, focusing on fire and explosion prevention, fuel system interfaces, and emergency response protocols. Transparent testing and reporting will be key to public acceptance and regulatory approval.
Success in safety demonstration will be critical for airline adoption and passenger confidence, making risk management an integral part of the JetZero-SHZ development process.
Future Outlook and Industry Transformation
The JetZero-SHZ partnership is a pivotal test case for hydrogen aviation’s commercial viability. If successful, it could transform airline economics, airport operations, and the passenger experience, while contributing meaningfully to global emissions reduction targets.
The partnership’s planned milestones, flight demonstrations in 2027 and service entry in the early 2030s, align with broader industry timelines for sustainable aviation. The outcomes will inform standards, investor confidence, and regulatory frameworks, shaping the pace and scope of hydrogen aviation adoption.
Conclusion
The collaboration between JetZero and SHZ Advanced Technologies marks a significant step toward realizing zero-emission commercial flight. By combining breakthrough aircraft design with advanced hydrogen storage solutions, the partnership addresses both the aerodynamic and fuel system challenges of sustainable aviation.
While technical, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges remain, the project benefits from strong commercial backing, federal support, and a growing market imperative for decarbonization. Its success could set new standards for hydrogen aviation, catalyze economic growth, and position the US and its partners as leaders in the next era of flight.
FAQ
What is the main goal of the JetZero and SHZ Advanced Technologies partnership?
The partnership aims to develop and integrate advanced liquid Hydrogen storage and distribution systems into JetZero’s Z4 blended-wing-body aircraft, enabling zero-emission commercial flight.
How does liquid hydrogen storage work in aviation?
Liquid hydrogen must be stored at -253°C in highly insulated tanks. SHZ’s technology minimizes boil-off and is designed to fit the Z4’s unique airframe, optimizing weight and capacity for long-range flights.
What are the main challenges for hydrogen-powered aircraft?
Key challenges include safe and efficient LH2 storage, airport infrastructure for hydrogen fueling, regulatory certification, and public acceptance of hydrogen safety.
When will the JetZero Z4 enter commercial service?
JetZero plans to conduct its first full-scale demonstrator flight in 2027, with commercial service targeted for the early 2030s, pending successful certification and testing.
How does the Z4 compare to conventional aircraft?
The Z4 offers up to 50% better fuel efficiency, reduced noise pollution, and is designed to be compatible with existing airport infrastructure, making it both environmentally and operationally attractive.
Sources
Photo Credit: JetZero – Montage
Sustainable Aviation
SABA Members Back Infinium eSAF Facility With Long-Term Deals
Google, McKinsey, and others sign binding SAFc agreements to support Infinium Energy’s 100,000 MT/year Texas eSAF project.
Corporate members of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) have signed binding, multi-year agreements to purchase sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) from Infinium Energy’s planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Texas. The commitments, announced on September 22, 2026, are designed to provide the financial demand signals necessary for Infinium to reach a final investment decision on the project.
In a press release issued by SABA, the organization confirmed that American Airlines (AA) will serve as the physical offtaker for the fuel, managing logistics and delivery. The corporate buyers purchasing the associated certificates include AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, and McKinsey & Company. The agreement marks the first time SABA’s procurement model has been utilized to directly drive new production capacity for scalable sustainable aviation fuel.
Project Atlas production and environmental targets
Infinium Energy was selected through a SABA procurement process earlier in 2026 to provide ultra-low carbon eSAF. The fuel is produced using waste carbon dioxide and renewable energy, distinguishing it from traditional biofuel pathways that rely on agricultural or waste feedstocks.
The planned Texas facility, designated Project Atlas, is expected to have an annual sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity of 100,000 metric tons. According to the alliance, the contracted volumes will support an expected greenhouse gas abatement of 212,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2e). SABA equates this emissions reduction to approximately 3,500 commercial flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
“We’re proud to partner with SABA members including AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, McKinsey, and others, as well as American Airlines to bring Infinium Energy’s next world scale eSAF facility to life. Their commitment reflects a shared conviction that decarbonizing aviation requires real investment in next-generation supply,” said Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium Energy.
Aggregating demand through book-and-claim
The transaction utilizes a book-and-claim model. Corporate buyers purchase the SAFc to claim the environmental benefits against their business travel emissions, while the physical fuel is delivered to partner airlines. This mechanism allows corporations to fund SAF production even when the physical fuel cannot be delivered directly to the airports their employees use.
American Airlines will manage the physical integration of the eSAF into the commercial aviation fuel supply chain. Jill Blickstein, Chief Sustainability Officer at American Airlines, stated that the corporate commitments broaden participation in the SAF market and demonstrate how customers can collaborate with airlines and fuel producers to advance decarbonization.
SABA, a joint initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), and RMI, has aggregated $500 million in SAFc demand from 35 companies to date. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 2 to 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Novel technologies are critical to meeting future demand for sustainable aviation fuel, but they will not be operational in time without investments made today. This procurement demonstrates how aggregated, long-term demand can help take promising eSAF projects from idea to reality,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI.
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical structural step for the eSAF market. Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels like those planned for Project Atlas face a steep commercialization barrier. They are highly capital-intensive to build and currently produce fuel at a significant cost premium compared to both conventional Jet A and HEFA-based SAF derived from waste fats and oils.
Airlines operate on thin margins and generally cannot absorb the full green premium of eSAF alone. By unbundling the environmental attributes from the physical fuel, the SABA model allows highly capitalized corporate entities like Google and McKinsey & Company to absorb that premium. More importantly, signing binding, multi-year offtake agreements provides the revenue certainty that infrastructure lenders require before financing first-of-a-kind industrial facilities. If Project Atlas reaches a positive final investment decision based on these contracts, it will validate the book-and-claim model as a viable financing mechanism for next-generation aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance
Sustainable Aviation
EU Exceeds 2025 SAF Mandate at 2.79 Percent Blend Rate
EASA reports EU airports hit 2.79% SAF blend in 2025, surpassing the 2% ReFuelEU mandate with 1.1M tonnes supplied.
The European Union surpassed its initial Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate in 2025, with SAF accounting for 2.79 percent of all jet fuel supplied to EU airports during the first mandatory reporting year.
According to the 2026 ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on September 17, 2026, fuel suppliers delivered 1.1 million tonnes of SAF against a total aviation fuel supply of 39.3 million tonnes. The 2.79 percent blend rate comfortably exceeded the 2 percent minimum required by the ReFuelEU regulation for 2025. This uptake resulted in an estimated reduction of 3.77 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are pleased to confirm that the SAF mandate under ReFuelEU Aviation was not only met but exceeded,” EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet stated in the agency’s press release.
Compliance and distribution across European hubs
The EASA report indicates high compliance rates across the sector. Ninety-three percent of aircraft operators and 90 percent of fuel suppliers fulfilled their reporting obligations in 2025. EASA noted that noncompliance among aircraft operators was primarily limited to small business jet operators, nonscheduled carriers, and third-country operators that failed to respond to competent authorities.
SAF distribution reached 121 Airports across all 27 Member States, representing 79 percent of all Union airports. Uptake was heavily concentrated at major European hubs. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) accounted for 29 percent of the tracked SAF supply, followed by Frankfurt Airport (FRA) at 8 percent and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7 percent.
Supply chain dynamics and feedstock dependencies
While the headline blending figures demonstrate regulatory success, the technical report reveals a structural reliance on imported raw materials. Although 86 percent of the SAF supplied at EU airports was refined domestically within the European Union, 85 percent of the underlying feedstocks originated from outside the bloc.
The primary feedstock utilized was Used Cooking Oil (UCO) processed via the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway. Of the imported feedstocks, 61 percent originated from China, with additional volumes sourced from Malaysia and Indonesia. On the refining side, Neste’s Rotterdam facility alone produced 33 percent of all European SAF in 2025.
AirPro News analysis
The successful implementation of the 2 percent mandate in 2025 proves that the logistical framework for SAF distribution at major European hubs is functional. However, the heavy reliance on Asian Used Cooking Oil presents a long-term vulnerability for European aviation. As the ReFuelEU mandate scales to 6 percent in 2030, the Regulations will also introduce sub-mandates for synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels). With approximately 50 synthetic fuel projects awaiting final investment decisions and no large-scale e-fuel facilities currently operational in Europe, we anticipate significant capital mobilization will be required over the next 36 months to prevent future supply bottlenecks and reduce dependency on imported biomass.
Photo Credit: European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Sustainable Aviation
Montana Renewables Cuts SAF Expansion Cost to $137M
Calumet’s Montana Renewables targets 200M gallons of SAF annually by 2028 for $137M, down from a $1.2B plan.
Calumet, Inc. and its subsidiary Montana Renewables, LLC announced a revised expansion plan on September 1, 2026, that will scale SAF production to 200 million gallons annually by 2028 for a fraction of the originally projected cost.
By repurposing existing refining equipment at the Great Falls, Montana facility, the company expects to complete the MaxSAF project with only $137 million in remaining capital. This abandons a previous $1.2 billion megaproject design. The pivot eliminates the need for third-party equity and minimizes debt while accelerating domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity.
Capital efficiency and Department of Energy funding
The original Phase 2 plan contemplated $1.2 billion in capital expenditure. The revised strategy captures 70 percent of the expected benefit for 15 percent of the cost. The financial restructuring involves an amended Loan Guarantee Agreement (LGA) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The original LGA was executed in January 2025, with a $782 million first tranche funded in February 2025 to recapitalize Montana Renewables, LLC (MRL). Under the amended agreement, the company will make a final draw of $34 million. This is significantly lower than the original $658 million Phase 2 DOE funding limit.
Calumet CEO Todd Borgmann stated the Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) supported the adjustment to the loan agreement.
“Our amended agreement with the DOE facilitates innovative technology and domestic energy security at a fraction of the original cost. EDF’s willingness to right-size the LGA reflects its ongoing support for Montana’s largest agricultural investment. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the DOE on the success of this project,” Borgmann said.
Borgmann credited the company’s engineering and operational teams for developing a project that maximizes output while drastically reducing the required capital investment.
Production timeline and capacity milestones
The Great Falls facility currently operates at a 60 million gallon SAF run-rate following a spring 2026 constraint removal. A scheduled turnaround in the fourth quarter of 2026 will tie in repurposed equipment from the adjacent Calumet Montana Refining facility.
Following the fourth-quarter integration, the company expects to exceed an 80 million gallon SAF run-rate by December 31, 2026. Production is projected to surpass 120 million gallons by spring 2027 and reach the 200 million gallon target by December 31, 2028.
Total renewable product sales, including renewable diesel and renewable gasoline, are targeted at 17,000 barrels per day by year-end 2028. This represents a 40 percent expansion. The expanded facility will consume 2 billion pounds of ranch- and farm-originated feedstocks annually.
AirPro News analysis
The revised MaxSAF expansion highlights a strategic shift in how producers approach SAF scaling. As noted by Aviation Week on September 2, 2026, the plan allows the largest US producer of SAF to more than triple its production capacity for barely 10 percent of the originally planned investment.
During Calumet’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call on August 7, 2026, the company confirmed that Montana Renewables completed performance testing of the newly installed MaxSAF catalyst, which met or exceeded expectations. By leveraging existing fossil-fuel infrastructure rather than pursuing multi-billion-dollar greenfield projects, producers can bring SAF to market faster and with significantly lower financial risk. This capital-efficient model may set a precedent for other refiners looking to enter or expand in the renewable fuels sector without diluting equity or taking on unsustainable debt.
Sources: Calumet, Inc.
Photo Credit: Montana Renewables
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