Yesterday, Airbus released three major announcements regarding the use of hydrogen in sustainable aviation. The multinational aircraft manufacturing company shared plans to explore the feasibility of hydrogen across three key locations: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States, Canada’s busiest airports, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.

 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Delta Air Lines and Plug Power are assessing the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the airport, looking to understand the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to integrate hydrogen both a the airport and worldwide.

Michael Smith, Senior Deputy General Manager, ATL said:

“Hartsfield-Jackson has long been a leader in the commercial aviation industry, and it only makes sense that we help lead this effort […] If hydrogen proves to be a viable alternative, ATL will investigate options to update infrastructure needs in order to implement the new technology. We are thrilled to participate in this study and look forward to the results.”

 

Canada’s busiest airports

In the first large-scale feasibility study in Canada aimed at pioneering hydrogen for aviation, Airbus and ZeroAvia signed three respective Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada’s three busiest airports, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said:

“We are bringing together Canada’s largest airports, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer and the leading innovator in decarbonised propulsion technology, in order to progress the transition to hydrogen aviation. ZeroAvia flight testing demonstrates that hydrogen-powered commercial aviation is a prospect ahead of 2030, so we need to start working hard to prepare for the hydrogen infrastructure needed to support the aviation industry and airports as they step into a new golden age of clean flight.”

 

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Airbus, Houston Airports and the Centre for Houston’s Future (CHF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to study the feasibility of a hydrogen hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The partners are working collaboratively to identify opportunities for and barriers to hydrogen supply, infrastructure development, and usage at the airport. Looking at hydrogen’s potential for end-use in aviation, airport ground transportation, airport heating, and potentially to supply adjacent customers in transport and local industries.

Karine Guenan, Airbus’ Vice President ZEROe Ecosystem said:

“For hydrogen to meet its full potential, the entire airport ecosystem – including airport authorities, energy suppliers and regulatory authorities – needs to come together and collaborate […] This joint-study will help us better understand what hydrogen infrastructure would be needed at Houston’s airport to support hydrogen and low carbon aviation in the future. What we learn here can also support knowledge around the world.”

 

Hydrogen has been positioned as a key tool in the long term decarbonisation of the industry. With many industry players open to leveraging hydrogen for sustainability purposes, these studies will be critical in defining both its practical requirements and potential.

 

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