Airbus, More European Aviation Firms Explore Hydrogen Future

Airbus and several partners are studying hydrogen infrastructure at airports, while Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and LoganAir aim to launch hydrogen-electric flights by 2027.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 02:24 PM ET

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Airbus’ ZEROe turboprop is one of several hydrogen-powered designs the manufacturer is developing. [Courtesy: Airbus]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with hydrogen identified as a key alternative fuel to replace traditional jet fuel.
Airbus is collaborating with Scandinavian partners (Avinor, Swedavia, SAS, and Vattenfall) on a pioneering study to develop hydrogen infrastructure and ecosystems at over 50 airports in Norway and Sweden.
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and LoganAir have partnered to launch what they aim to be the world's first commercial zero-emissions hydrogen-electric flights in Scotland's Orkney Islands by 2027.

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The goal of net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050 has been widely adopted by airlines, countries (including the U.S.), and global collectives such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). But the industry won’t get there without action.

This week, European firms announced two collaborations intended to herald the transition from traditional jet fuel to alternative sources, such as hydrogen.