Air Liquide, Airbus, and Groupe ADP prepare airports for the hydrogen era

Air Liquide, Airbus, and Groupe ADP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will prepare the airports for the arrival of the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035.

To prepare for the arrival of the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, airports will have to be adapted, particularly to include liquid hydrogen supply. The latest partnership focuses on carrying out feasibility studies aimed at developing the necessary infrastructure.

"This partnership between an aircraft manufacturer, an airport authority, and a hydrogen expert is an important and necessary step to prepare for the entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035," said Antoine Bouvier, Airbus Head of Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions and Public Affairs.

"By starting to introduce hydrogen at Paris airports now, we underscore the shared ambition of an entire ecosystem to make the decarbonization of the aviation sector possible and to achieve our emissions-reduction targets."

As a preliminary step, a study will be launched involving a representative panel of around 30 airports worldwide to evaluate potential configurations for liquid hydrogen production, supply, and distribution. Following which detailed scenarios and plans will be drawn up for the two main airports in Paris, France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly). The scenarios which come forth from the study will then be used in defining the required infrastructure, including scope and location, and in identifying and integrating the constraints relative to both industrial and aviation safety standards.

"This partnership, led by three major players, reflects a shared desire to accelerate the energy transition and to build the future for a more sustainable aviation," said Matthieu Giard, Vice President, member of the Executive Committee, supervising Hydrogen activities.