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 accelerating efforts toward its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, with hydrogen identified as a key alternative fuel.
Airbus has partnered with Scandinavian companies (Avinor, Swedavia, SAS, Vattenfall) to conduct a large-scale study on the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at over 50 airports in Norway and Sweden, aiming to develop a regional hydrogen ecosystem for future aircraft.
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and Loganair are collaborating to launch commercial zero-emissions flights using hydrogen-electric aircraft between Scotland's Orkney Islands by 2027, potentially the world's first such service.

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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.