- May 3, 2021, 8:20 AM
Airbus has firmly committed to a hydrogen-powered future and is now advancing three different concepts for new airliners that could enter service from around 2035. (Image: Airbus)
While much of the discussion about how to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint has focused on the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and when and how electric aircraft may be unshackled from the limits of battery technology, hydrogen has been quietly moving up the future propulsion agenda. However, hydrogen has been gaining momentum for some time in other sectors of transportation, such as road, rail, and marine vehicles, and is increasingly being viewed as a viable longer-term alternative to fossil fuel. Some of the more bullish pioneers in the field are claiming they could have hydrogen-powered aircraft approved for service as soon as 2025 or 2026.
By Kate Sarsfield2021-04-22T10:54:00+01:00
Urban air mobility (UAM) has become the new frontier in aviation, driven by a desire for small, quiet and sustainable aircraft to provide mass transportation for intra-city, short-haul and regional travel.
What seemed like a pipe dream less than a decade ago looks set to become a reality, as the sector’s early movers prepare their innovative, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft programmes for commercial service within the next three years.
Source: Volocopter
Volocopter’s 2X could make commercial eVTOL flights during 2024 Paris Olympics
In its recent analysis of the global UAM market, management consultancy Roland Berger forecast there would be around 160,000 eVTOL aircraft in service by 2050, generating annual revenues of $90 billion.
Paris region, Groupe ADP, Air France-KLM and Airbus are launching a call for expressions of interest to explore the opportunities generated by hydrogen in Paris airports with the aim to decarbonize air transport activities.
This worldwide call for expressions of interest complies with the French government’s energy transition strategy and supported by the European Commission, which strives for zero-emission aircrafts by 2035.
Aware that the advent of hydrogen will revolutionize the way airport infrastructures are designed and operated, the partners want to anticipate and support developments that should help transform the Paris airports into true “hydrogen hubs”.
The international call for expressions of interest – launched with the support of the international agency Choose Paris Region agency, in charge of the international promotion and attractiveness of Paris Region – aims to build a unique airport ecosystem federated around hydrogen, major corporations, SMEs, start-
Call for expression of interest for airport hydrogen hubs
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12th February 2021
Five firms have partnered to enable airports in Paris to transform into hydrogen centres
Airbus, Air France-KLM, Paris Region, Choose Paris Region and Groupe ADP have entered a partnership and are launching a worldwide call for expressions of interest to explore the opportunities created by hydrogen in Paris airports.
The call follows the energy transition strategy that was set out by the French government and supported by the European commission – striving for zero emissions aircraft by 2035.
Photo Airbus
All five partners want to support developments that will enable facilities in Paris to transform into hydrogen hubs, as they believe this will revolutionise the way airport infrastructures are designed and operated.
Airbus seeks to develop hydrogen hub in Paris 11 February 2021
Airbus has led calls for expressions of interest to explore the opportunities generated by hydrogen in Paris airports with the aim to decarbonise air transport activities.
The plane manufacturer led a consortium which also includes the Paris region, Groupe ADP and Air France-KLM.
This worldwide call for expressions of interest complies with the French government’s energy transition strategy and supported by the European Commission, which strives for zero-emission aircrafts by 2035.
Aware that the advent of hydrogen will revolutionise the way airport infrastructures are designed and operated, the partners want to anticipate and support developments that should help transform the Paris airports into true “hydrogen hubs”.