Airbus has partnered with easyJet, Air Products, and London Gatwick Airport to expand hydrogen capability and infrastructure in the UK as the manufacturer works towards its target of getting hydrogen-powered aircraft in the sky by 2035.
The scope of work, under Airbus’s Hydrogen Hubs at Airports framework, covers liquid hydrogen supply and storage at the airport, and refuelling and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft. Other shorter-term opportunities for hydrogen at the airport will also be explored.
Airbus’s Vice President of its ZEROe Project, Glenn Llewellyn, said: “We know hydrogen has the versatility to be an excellent fuel source for decarbonising the industry. We’ve set ambitious targets to fly on hydrogen by 2035, and this technology needs to be supported by reliable and tested infrastructure.”
Photo: Airbus
Airbus launched the ‘Hydrogen Hub at Airports’ programme to promote the further expansion of hydrogen infrastructure in aviation. So far, agreements have been signed with airports and partners in 13 countries worldwide.
In the last couple of years, easyJet has joined several different sustainable, hydrogen flight initiatives. These include Project Acorn at Bristol Airport, the UK’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling trial at a major airport in April 2024, and the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance, which easyJet joined with Rolls-Royce and Airbus in September 2023.
David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “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 adapt and work together to reach the common goal of decarbonising aviation.”
