Pioneering Hydrogen Aviation: A Collaborative Leap in Sweden and Norway
In an unprecedented move towards sustainable aviation, Airbus, along with Avinor, SAS, Swedavia, and Vattenfall, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This alliance aims to explore the feasibility of establishing a hydrogen infrastructure at airports across Sweden and Norway, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly aviation.
This collaborative effort seeks to enhance the understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts, operations, and the necessary infrastructure to support a hydrogen aviation ecosystem in both countries. By identifying which airports will first transition to hydrogen-powered aircraft and outlining the required regulatory framework, this initiative marks a significant stride towards decarbonizing the aviation sector. Notably, this feasibility study spans two countries and over 50 airports, reflecting the collective ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, highlights hydrogen as a crucial element in forging a sustainable aviation future. He commends the potential of Norway and Sweden, regions known for their stringent aviation demands and capacity for renewable energy-based hydrogen production. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Airbus's strategy to implement hydrogen aviation ecosystems globally.
Abraham Foss, CEO of Avinor, emphasizes hydrogen's role as a future key energy carrier in aviation. Avinor's longstanding commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in Norway's aviation green transition underscore the significance of this collaboration. With both Norway and Sweden positioned as early adopters of hydrogen-powered aircraft, the partnership aims to leverage Avinor's expertise and infrastructure to advance this critical initiative.
Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS, acknowledges the importance of this partnership in driving the aviation industry towards net-zero emissions. This collaborative effort among leading industry players underscores SAS's commitment to sustainable global connectivity for future generations.
Swedavia's president and CEO, Jonas Abrahamsson, expresses enthusiasm for the deeper collaboration on hydrogen's role in aviation. The involvement of Airbus and Vattenfall adds significant value, bringing expertise in hydrogen-powered aircraft and energy production, respectively. This partnership is poised to significantly impact the infrastructure and planning of airports, furthering the Nordic region's lead in fossil-free aviation.
Anna Borg, President and CEO of Vattenfall, underlines the company's commitment to enabling industry decarbonization, acknowledging the challenges in transitioning aviation away from fossil fuels. This cross-border collaboration exemplifies a collective will to initiate change, with Vattenfall bringing its expertise in electricity, infrastructure, and hydrogen production to the forefront.
The initiative not only aims to reduce aircraft emissions but also seeks to decarbonize air transport activities on the ground. Airbus's unveiling of the ZEROe concept in 2020 and the subsequent launch of the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports" program exemplify the industry's commitment to a low-carbon future. With partnerships already established in ten countries, this collaboration between Airbus, Avinor, SAS, Swedavia, and Vattenfall represents a significant leap towards sustainable aviation in Sweden and Norway, promising a cleaner, greener future for the aviation industry.
