Airbus announces London Gatwick's inclusion in its international hydrogen airport alliance
In a significant move towards a greener future for aviation, Airbus, easyJet, Air Products, and London Gatwick Airport have joined forces to expand hydrogen infrastructure in the UK. The partnership aims to get a hydrogen-powered aircraft in the sky by 2035.
The collaboration is part of Airbus' global "Hydrogen Hub at Airports" program, which already has agreements in 13 countries, including the UK. This program is a crucial part of a global effort to decarbonize the aviation industry.
Airbus is no stranger to hydrogen-powered aviation technologies. The company has been actively developing such technologies, including its long-haul blended-wing-body hydrogen plane and partnerships with companies like MTU Aero Engines. However, this marks a new phase in their efforts, as they join forces with easyJet, London Gatwick, and Air Products.
London Gatwick, part of the VINCI Airports network, is the UK's leading hub for short-haul services, making it an ideal testbed for research and development into critical support infrastructure for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The partnership will focus on liquid hydrogen supply and storage, refueling, and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft at London Gatwick. Early hydrogen-powered aircraft will initially focus on short to medium haul routes. The collaboration also plans to explore other opportunities for using hydrogen at London Gatwick.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, stated that this partnership is an important early step toward reaching the airport's net zero ambitions. David Morgan, COO of easyJet, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership demonstrates the industry's intent to adapt and work together to decarbonize aviation.
Air Products, Vice President and General Manager Suzanne Lowe, stated that the company is committed to helping the UK become a global leader in low carbon hydrogen production. This commitment is shared by Airbus Vice President Glenn Llewellyn, who stated that the collaboration is critical for building the right hydrogen ecosystem around the world.
The Hydrogen Hub at Airports program has partners and airports in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The VINCI Airports' decarbonisation strategy includes the development of carbon-free hydrogen infrastructure.
For more information about hydrogen in aviation, please visit the provided link. This partnership is a significant step forward in the UK's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in the aviation industry. As more partnerships like this emerge, we can look forward to a greener future for air travel.
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- The collaboration aligns with Airbus' global "Hydrogen Hub at Airports" program, which targets decarbonizing the aviation industry by establishing hydrogen infrastructure in 13 countries, including the UK.
- In the UK, this initiative focuses on London Gatwick Airport, where partners will work on liquid hydrogen supply and storage, refueling, and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft.
- The environmental science community and the finance sector are likely to take an interest in this partnership, as it aims to develop renewable energy sources for the aerospace industry.
- Air Products, a key partner in the endeavor, has expressed a commitment to help the UK lead in low carbon hydrogen production, while Airbus has emphasized the importance of building the right hydrogen ecosystem worldwide.
