Last week, easyJet announced its partnership with Airbus, London Gatwick, and the world’s largest hydrogen supplier, Air Products. Looking at enhancing hydrogen capability and infrastructure in the UK, these key players are paving the way for hydrogen to cut industry emissions and make hydrogen-powered flight “a reality” by 2035.

Partnerships like these will play a key role in supporting the industry’s decarbonisation, establishing the infrastructure and framework necessary to effectively incorporate hydrogen. Coming under Airbus’ Hydrogen Hubs at Airports framework, the partnership will look at liquid hydrogen supply and storage at the airport, as well as refuelling and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft.

Alongside sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which has been predicted to vastly reduce the industry’s emissions, hydrogen has been positioned as a key tool in the long term decarbonisation of the industry. With many players open to leveraging the potential of hydrogen, these studies will be instrumental in facilitating widespread adoption in the future. The press release reiterated how vital hydrogen will be for the industry’s future with David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, easyJet, saying:

“Hydrogen is going to play an important role in decarbonising aviation so we need to lay the groundwork now to make that happen. The Gatwick hub is another positive signal and demonstrates the industry’s intent to both adapt and work together to reach the common goal of decarbonising aviation. Combined with support from regulators and policymakers, I’ve no doubt that projects like this will act as the building blocks to prepare UK airports for a hydrogen transition – something that will be critical to achieving our net zero ambitions.”

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick, added:

“Alongside Sustainable Aviation Fuels, hydrogen stands out as having real potential to help us decarbonise Scope 3 emissions at the airport, particularly for the short haul aircraft that dominate London Gatwick’s operations.”

 

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