- Airbus and FFI looks into green hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2025
- Airbus has also signed a memorandum with Air New Zealand to investigate the viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft in the country.
- Airbus has been aggressively forming collaborations in Asia-Pacific to investigate hydrogen as a fuel.
Airbus and Australia’s Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have agreed to collaborate on research into liquid hydrogen and power-to-liquid fuels for aircraft. In a joint statement, the two businesses reconfirm Airbus’s goal of having a hydrogen-powered aircraft in service by 2025.
The two firms will examine legislation, supply, and infrastructure linked to the deployment of hydrogen as an aviation fuel under the terms of the MOU. In addition, Airbus will offer its expertise in fleet energy management, aviation hydrogen demand scenarios, refuelling specifications, and the aviation regulatory network.
“To make zero emission aircraft a reality, partnerships and cross-sectoral approaches are required,” says Glenn Llewellyn, Airbus’ vice president of Zero Emission Aircraft.
“By 2035, Airbus plans to operate a zero-emission aeroplane.” But this will only be achievable if we can ensure that enough green hydrogen is created globally, and I’m encouraged by FFI’s excitement for our goal.”
Airbus has been aggressively forming collaborations in Asia-Pacific to investigate hydrogen as a fuel. In February, the airframer announced research with Changi Aviation Group, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and industrial gas major Linde to verify Singapore’s potential as a “Hydrogen Hub” at the Singapore Airshow.
Airbus has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Air New Zealand to investigate the viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft in the country.