Airbus & SAS to research hybrid & electric aircraft

A joint Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Airbus and SAS to conduct research into hybrid and electric aircraft eco-system and infrastructure requirements. It is a unique cooperation intended to establish the requirements for the next generation of aircraft. The aim of the project is to get an understanding of hybrid-electric aircraft for large-scale commercial use.

The joint research project involves SAS and Airbus working together to build knowledge of the opportunities and the difficulties regarding operations and infrastructure related to the introduction of hybrid and electric aircraft in commercial air traffic. 

“We are proud of our ambitious sustainability work and are now pleased that Airbus has chosen SAS to partner up with us for this future project. If this becomes a reality, it will revolutionize emissions”, says Rickard Gustafson, CEO, SAS.

SAS has for decades worked to reduce emissions and worked hard and focused towards a more sustainable flying. SAS's goal is to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030, mainly by modernizing the fleet and increasing the use of biofuels. We see electric aircraft as the next step beyond the current technology.

“We are delighted to be embarking on this partnership with SAS,” said Grazia Vittadini, Airbus Chief Technology Officer. “Leveraging our respective expertise to explore the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion opportunities in our aviation eco-system.”

The collaboration also includes an ambition to involve a renewable energy supplier to ensure genuine zero emissions operations.

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