The agreement is set to prepare Paris airports with the infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen-operated aircraft
Gas solutions and technology firm Air Liquide, Airbus and Group ADP have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to lay out the groundwork for sustainable infrastructure at Paris airports to prepare for the implementation of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035.
The partnership aims to support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector and outline the benefits of carbon neautral operations.
“We must now take action, notably by accelerating the development of the hydrogen sector in order to prepare for the future,” said Matthieu Giard, Air Liquide Group executive committee member and vice-president of hydrogen activities. “This partnership, led by three major players, reflects a shared desire to accelerate the energy transition and to build the future for more sustainable aviation.”
Antoine Bouvier, Airbus head of strategy, mergers and acquisitions and public affairs, added: “By starting to introduce hydrogen at Paris airports now, we underscore the shared ambition of an entire ecosystem to make the decarbonisation of the aviation sector possible and to achieve our emissions-reduction targets.”
Airports within the region will be required to adapt their infrastructure, including the introduction of liquid hydrogen production, storage and distribution systems. The companies hope to carry out feasibility studies to conceptualise the facilities.
Detailed plans for both Paris/Charles de Gaulle and Paris/Orly are set to be drawn up following an assessment of 30 international airports that aims to help establish what configurations are needed to implement the gas.
“With our partners, we are ready to launch feasibility studies to enable the gradual introduction of hydrogen at Paris airports,” explained Edward Arkwright, Groupe ADP deputy CEO. “We must prepare, starting today, to welcome hydrogen aircraft by 2035 by transforming our airports into hydrogen hubs, which, along with other solutions, such as sustainable aviation fuel, will enable the decarbonisation of air travel.”
