New partnership to accelerate hydrogen-fuelled aviation

The potential for hydrogen as a viable carbon-free alternative to aviation fuel has been given a potential boost with the announcement of a new agreement between European aerospace giant Airbus and US airline Delta.

As part of Delta's 'Flight to Net-Zero' plan to scale up and advance sustainable aviation, the airline became the first US-based flight operator to work with Airbus on developing aircraft powered by hydrogen as well as the associated infrastructure necessary to make the transition.

"To pull the future of sustainable aviation forward, we need to accelerate the development and commercialisation of potentially disruptive technologies," said Pam Fletcher, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Read more: Major aerospace players sign Sustainable Aviation Fuel pledge

"Hydrogen fuel is an exciting concept that has the potential to redefine the status quo. These tangible steps lay the groundwork for the next generation of aviation," she added.

The agreement will focus on three areas: aircraft concept, aviation ecosystem and coalition building.

'Aircraft concept' relates to the technical and economic viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft. This includes a plan for how to phase the planes into Delta's fleet and operations, as well as the associated challenges such as range limits and refuelling time.

For the 'aviation ecosystem', the two companies will assess what infrastructure would be necessary to develop green hydrogen, and how to scale it up and implement the technology practically at airports.

Under 'coalition building', the companies will continue advocating for decarbonisation of the aviation sector in general with other key industry players.

Read more: Fortescue & Airbus partner to decarbonise aviation

"To decarbonise aviation, we need to develop the right technology bricks and a dynamic hydrogen eco-system," said Julie Kitcher, Airbus E.V.P. Communications & Corporate Affairs.

"Through close collaboration with key partners, such as Delta, we will integrate our customers' expertise and specific needs to ensure our zero-emission aircraft will be a game-changer for sustainable aerospace."

The aviation sector currently accounts for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. This figure rises to 3.5% when other greenhouse gases are taken into account. The industry has set up the Air Transport Action Group, mandated to get the sector to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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