Airbus and Partners Spearhead Hydrogen-Powered Flight in Sweden and Norway

Airbus, Avinor, SAS, Swedavia, and Vattenfall have jointly entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the viability of establishing a hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden and Norway.

This collaborative effort aims to enhance the comprehension of hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts, operational procedures, supply chains, infrastructure requirements, and refueling necessities at airports.

The primary goal is to contribute to the development of a hydrogen aviation ecosystem in both countries. Additionally, the initiative will outline the criteria for selecting airports to be transitioned first for operating hydrogen-powered aircraft, along with the necessary regulatory framework.

This groundbreaking feasibility study, covering more than 50 airports across two countries, underscores the shared commitment of the partners to leverage their respective expertise in supporting the aviation industry’s decarbonization efforts, ultimately striving for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for future aircraft not only promises a substantial reduction in airborne emissions but also holds the potential to decarbonize ground-based air transport activities.

In 2020, Airbus introduced the first ZEROe concept, envisioning the world’s inaugural hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. Ongoing global research and development efforts are dedicated to realizing the corresponding technological advancements.

Airbus has further initiated the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program, fostering research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations throughout the entire value chain. Agreements have already been established with partners and airports in ten countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.