RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power 11 Airbus A220 aircraft for Air Niugini

Pratt & Whitney and Air Niugini have finalized engine and aftermarket agreements for the GTF engines that will power the airline's fleet of 11 Airbus A220 aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will provide a full suite of support services with a 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive agreement. With this order, Air Niugini becomes a first-time GTF customer.

"GTF engines offer unmatched payload and range, enabling Air Niugini to open new routes internationally, while benefitting from industry-leading fuel efficiency, and we look forward to supporting the airline's fleet in the years ahead," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney.

"This is an exciting time for Air Niugini as we modernize our fleet," said Gary Seddon, chief executive officer of Air Niugini. "By upgrading next-generation aircraft with the most efficient engines, this will revolutionize travel for our passengers, ensuring significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, while expanding our route offerings and enhancing passenger experience."

Air Niugini is the national carrier of Papua New Guinea based in the capital Port Moresby. It operates an extensive domestic network as well as internationally to Australia, Asia and the Pacific. The airline's new fleet will deliver more capacity and greater reliability throughout its network.

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Airbus partners with Avolon to explore future of hydrogen aviation

Airbus has announced a new partnership with aircraft lessor, Avolon, to study the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft, marking the very first collaboration of the ZEROe Project with an operating lessor.

Announced at the Farnborough Airshow, Airbus and Avolon will investigate how future hydrogen-powered aircraft could be financed and commercialised, and how they might be supported by the leasing business model.

Airbus is putting significant resources into exploring how the industry can introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft and how it works on the ground with airports and airlines. The development of a viable hydrogen ecosystem is a key enabler of the industry’s goal to reach near zero emissions.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon, commented, “Joining the ZEROe Project is another step in Avolon’s sustainability journey and we look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with Airbus to consider how the next generation of aircraft will be financed and commercialised. It will take a wide ecosystem of contributors to overcome the challenges of hydrogen powered commercial flight, and Airbus is playing a crucial role in bringing partners together. While we continue to focus on supporting our customers in modernising their fleets with lower emissions aircraft, it is also vital we look beyond that at what can further drive our industry’s decarbonisation.”

Airbus Vice President ZEROe Project, Glenn Llewellyn, said, “There is real value in bringing together industry players to help solve the challenges facing aviation. We know we can’t solve decarbonisation alone and welcome Avolon’s expertise and worldwide leadership in the aircraft leasing business. Working together to consider how the transition can be commercialised and financed for airline customers is crucial to success.”

Further information about Airbus’ hydrogen journey can be found here.

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Airbus to boost sustainable aviation fuel production through investment in LanzaJet

Airbus is investing in LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and producer, in line with its ambition to act as a catalyst for the global development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). 

This investment will support the development of the Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway, an important step required to produce SAF at scale by enabling LanzaJet to further expand its capability and capacity to scale its proprietary Ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) process technology.

“Sustainable aviation fuels are one of the most important levers available to decarbonise aviation, but their production is still limited. Our partnership with LanzaJet demonstrates Airbus' commitment to work with leading energy technology suppliers to explore innovative production pathways and scale SAF," said Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus. "This important partnership with LanzaJet underlines the importance of new technologies and cross-sector collaboration to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”

Berniq Airways orders six A320neo Family aircraft to support growth

Berniq Airways, Libya’s airline, has placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo Family aircraft. The airline already operates six A320s and intends to further develop its regional and international routes with the additional A320neo Family aircraft.

Waseem Ezzway, Chairman of Berniq Airways said, "We are proud to be the first airline in Libya to order the advanced A320neo Family aircraft. This significant investment marks a new chapter for Berniq Airways as we continue to lead the way in modernizing our fleet and enhancing our service offerings.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “It is a pleasure to see Berniq Airways expanding its fleet with the world's best-in-class single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo family will enable Berniq Airways to provide its customers with unparalleled comfort while offering the airline exceptional economic advantages.”

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft having won more than 18,000 orders from more than 300 customers around the world. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

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Leasing giant Avolon orders 310 engines at Farnborough Air Show

160 engines ordered from Pratt & Whitney and 150 from CFM International

Engine orders valued at over US$5 billion at current list prices

Options to purchase 310 further engines

Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, announces orders for 310 new engines to power 155 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in its order book. Avolon has ordered 160 GTF engines from Pratt & Whitney, and 150 LEAP-1A engines from CFM International.

The combined orders, announced today at the Farnborough Airshow, are valued at over US$5 billion at current list prices. The agreement also includes options to purchase a further 160 Pratt & Whitney engines and 150 CFM International engines. The orders represent Avolon’s largest ever engine commitment.

Both engine types help to lower carbon emissions by delivering at least 15% reduced fuel consumption compared to previous generation engine technology, and also reduced noise levels. Transitioning the global fleet to new technology aircraft is the biggest near-term action that can be taken to reduce aviation emissions, and Avolon is committed to a target of having over 75% of its fleet comprising the youngest, most fuel-efficient aircraft by the end of 2025. Beyond its 2025 target, the evolution of its fleet will be supported by deliveries of the A320 neo family aircraft out to 2032 that these engines will power.

Avolon currently has 115 A320neo family aircraft in its delivered and managed fleet, of which 39 are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines and 76 by CFM International engines. Following its order for 100 A321neo aircraft in December 2023, Avolon now has an orderbook of 279 A320neo family aircraft.

Andy Cronin, CEO Avolon, commented: “These engines will power our orderbook of A320neo family aircraft and put us in an excellent position to service our customers’ narrowbody requirements out to 2030 and beyond.  Engine innovation has been one of the key tools to lower emissions and support the industry’s decarbonisation journey. We are delighted to be working with both Pratt & Whitney and CFM International, and excited about leveraging their engines to support the transition of our fleet to more fuel-efficient technology.”

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Airbus Racer speeds past 400 km/h

Airbus’s Racer high-speed helicopter demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has reached its fast cruise speed target of 407 km/h (220 kts). On 21 June, less than two months after its first flight, the Racer demonstrator exceeded its level speed objective of 407 km/h (220 kts) by reaching 420 km/h (227 kts) in its initial configuration. In just seven flights and about nine hours of flight testing, almost all of the flight envelope has been opened.

“This achievement in such a short space of time is really a testimony to the hard work of our 40 partners in 13 European countries to bring all of this innovation to flight. On top of its performance, the aircraft's aerodynamic behaviour and stability are promising. We are all looking forward to the next phase of flight testing, especially the eco-mode which will enable us to shut down one engine in forward flight, thus reducing fuel consumption, and lowering the CO2 emissions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

The flight test crew consisted of Hervé Jammayrac, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Dominique Fournier, Flight Test Engineer, and Christophe Skorlic, Test Flight Engineer. The next phase of flight testing will focus on single-engine operations and finalise the flight envelope.

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters in the same maximum take-off weight category, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

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Japan Airlines finalises order for 31 Airbus aircraft......

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s and A321neo aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.

The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.

Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines Yukio Nakagawa said, “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”

Virgin Atlantic orders seven additional Airbus A330neo aircraft

Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total, providing improved economics.

The order was announced during the Farnborough Airshow onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary.

Shai Weiss, CEO, of Virgin Atlantic said, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year. Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”

Avolon selects RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power up to 160 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

The agreement is Avolon's first direct GTF engine order

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced this week, that Avolon has selected GTF engines to power 80 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The order means Avolon will have 158 GTF-powered aircraft in its delivered and committed fleet, with options for engines to power 80 additional aircraft.

This order represents one of Pratt & Whitney's largest transactions with a lessor for its GTF engines.

"We are building on our collaboration with Avolon, who remains at the forefront of the lessor community," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF engines will provide Avolon's customers with unmatched fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions available for single-aisle aircraft."

"These engines will power our large orderbook of A320neo family aircraft and put us in an excellent position to service our customers' narrowbody requirements out to 2030 and beyond," said Andy Cronin, chief executive officer at Avolon. "Engine innovation has been one of the key tools to lower emissions and support the industry's decarbonization journey. We value Pratt & Whitney's strong customer focus and are excited about leveraging their GTF engines to support the transition of our fleet to more fuel-efficient technology."

Avolon currently has a portfolio of 81 V2500-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 39 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft in its delivered fleet.  Working with 142 airlines in 63 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,029 aircraft, as of 30 June 2024. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

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HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The agreement paves the way for e-Fuels, made from renewable electricity, water, and recycled carbon dioxide, to reduce net CO2 emissions in the aviation sector, HIF Global has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to advance the global development of e-Fuels for aviation ("e-Sustainable Aviation Fuel" or "e-SAF") via the methanol to jet fuel ("MTJ") pathway. The MoU provides a framework for negotiation of definitive agreements in relation to four key workstreams: technical, project development, commercial and advocacy.

The collaboration was signed at the Farnborough Air Show in England, one of the most prestigious global aerospace, aviation and defense industry fairs. 

Airbus and partners invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel financing fund

Airbus, the Air France-KLM Group, Associated Energy Group, LLC, BNP Paribas, Burnham Sterling, Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. and Qantas Airways Limited co-invested in a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) financing fund to accelerate the production of SAF.

The corporate partners worked with investment manager Burnham Sterling Asset Management to establish the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA) investment fund in which Airbus is the Anchor Investor. The commitment from the seven partners is amounting to an aggregate of approx. US$200 million.

Each partner brings experience and financial expertise to the fund with the ambition to accelerate the availability of SAF by investing mainly in technologically mature SAF-producing projects using for instance waste-based feedstocks. Investments will be diversified across various SAF's production pathways and also by region.

SMBC Aviation Capital confirms an additional 42 Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines

 

One of the largest GTF engine lessors now owns, manages, and has firm commitments for 142 GTF-powered aircraft

Pratt & Whitney announced this week that SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the largest lessors for GTF- powered A320neo family aircraft, has exercised options for 22 firm orders. This is supplemental to a 2021 order for 20 additional firm aircraft, bringing the lessor's additional commitment to 42 firm A320neo family aircraft equipped with GTF engines.

SMBC Aviation Capital announced its initial selection for 50 firm Pratt & Whitney A320neo family aircraft in 2019, and currently manages a portfolio of 142 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft. Today's announcement affirms the relationship between two global leaders in the aviation space.

"We appreciate SMBC Aviation Capital's continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney as we work together to deliver economic and environmental benefits for airline customers," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "These additional orders are a testament to the advantages this engine delivers as the most fuel-efficient, sustainable engine for single-aisle aircraft."

"SMBC Aviation Capital is pleased to confirm these latest technology engines reflecting our underlying commitment to invest in the most fuel efficient and sustainable aircraft types, which our customers want to operate," said Barry Flannery, CCO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

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Drukair adds Airbus A320neo and A321XLR aircraft to its fleet

Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a fully owned subsidiary of the state holding company Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network. 

The new aircraft are anticipated to start delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, South East Asia and Australia. 

Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320. 

Based on His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision, GMC, located in the southern plains of Bhutan, is emerging as a new economic engine for the Kingdom. As the national carrier, Drukair plays a pivotal role in enabling the prosperity of GMC and Bhutan by efficiently and reliably meeting growing transportation and logistics needs. 

Tandi Wangchuk, Drukair CEO said, “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails perfectly with the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and work to expand the Gelephu airport. Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.”

Cebu Pacific celebrates agreement for up to 152 Airbus A321neo order

Cebu Pacific, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney, held an official ceremony to commemorate a memorandum of understanding signed for CEB's purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for an estimated USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. 

The binding MOU covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo family purchase rights. CEB has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines to power the future aircraft.

"The order is designed to give Cebu Pacific the flexibility to choose between the A321neo and A320neo aircraft as needed, helping us adapt to market changes," said Michael Szucs, chief executive officer of CEB. "This deal is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone while supporting the Philippine growth story."

Airbus said the MOU is a testament to the airline's confidence in its products and a positive signal for the aviation industry's recovery.

Airbus and ACI World strengthen global cooperation to decarbonise aviation

Airbus and ACI World strengthen global cooperation to decarbonise aviation

            Airbus and Airports Council International (ACI) World association have signed a cooperation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.

This partnership leverages the strengths of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer and the largest and most important international association of airports to make significant progress in both decarbonising aviation and mitigating aircraft noise impact.

This alliance will address key areas including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operations efficiency, and aircraft noise management practices. It will foster the exchange of information and perspectives on low carbon operations, communicate industry progress, jointly develop guidance materials, and potentially formulate unified positions on policies and standards to achieve the industry targets. 

RTX to collaborate on hybrid-electric system for Airbus PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, businesses of RTX, have been selected by Airbus Helicopters to support the development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on a twin-engine H145 helicopter, PioneerLab aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion as well as aerodynamic improvements to enable up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to a conventionally powered aircraft.

For the PioneerLab demo, the helicopter's existing engines will be replaced by a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprised of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative linked with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. This hybrid-electric configuration is designed to enable optimized engine performance and improved efficiency, with the electric motors providing high torque capability during flight conditions such as take-off and landing. Test flights of the hybrid-electric propulsion system are targeted to begin in 2027 at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany.

"With world-class efficiency and reliability, Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW210 engine is very well-suited to perform as part of a hybrid-electric helicopter propulsion system," said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "To help achieve the goals of this innovative project, we'll draw on expertise from our growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and SWITCH."

EASA Certifies LEAP-powered Airbus A321XLR

EASA Certifies LEAP-powered Airbus A321XLR

CFM International is celebrating certification of the LEAP-powered Airbus A321XLR by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The A321XLR marks the fifth member of the A320neo family aircraft powered by LEAP engines. Supporting aircraft certification were updates to the engine’s type certificates, which EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted on July 10.

“Certification of the CFM-powered A321XLR is an important milestone in providing our operators much greater route scheduling flexibility,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “The engine was always designed with 35,000-lb. thrust capability for longer range, higher max takeoff weight aircraft. As a result, no engine modifications were required, giving operators the added benefit of 100 percent commonality with their existing A320neo family fleets.”

LEAP is the first engine certified on this application

Entry into service expected later this year

A321XLR is the longest range of the A320neo family

Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification

The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer. The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

"Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus!”, says Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. “With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets.”

First of 19 new Airbus jets arrives for Condor from ALC

Aircraft management and leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation confirmed it had delivered the first of nineteen new Airbus jets to German leisure airline Condor.  

“ALC is pleased to announce this significant first of 19 new Airbus aircraft delivery to Condor today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “The A321-200neo will modernize Condor’s jet fleet with a new standard of fuel-efficiency, performance and passenger comfort, and continue ALC’s leadership position as Condor’s largest aircraft Lessor.”

The Airbus A321-200neo comes from ALC’s orderbook, Condor ordered 17 A321-200neos and 2 A320-200neos which are scheduled to be delivered to the carrier between now and the end of 2027. In addition to these aircraft, ALC currently has three A321s and two A320s on long-term lease to the airline.

“We are thrilled to continue to build our strong relationship with Condor with our first A321neo delivery to the airline,” added Lauren Kervick, Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “Our A321-200neos will fill an important role in Condor’s growing fleet and expanding route network.”

“Condor is looking forward to welcome another A321neo to the fleet,” said Björn Walther, Chief Financial Officer of Condor. “We are delighted to have ALC onboard as our long-term partner for further 18 narrowbody aircraft. Thanks to this strong partnership, we will soon be offering guests on short and medium-haul routes the most modern and efficient fleet in Europe.”

The Condor A321neo flies in a two-class configuration with Business Class and Economy Class. The cabin has a total of 233 seats in a 3-3 seating arrangement. Guests can enjoy the "FlyConnect" internet and entertainment portal on board, where the latest entertainment program with blockbusters, classics, children's films and a wide range of music and magazines is available to stream on personal devices free of charge. In the “FlyConnect” portal, guests can also purchase various data packages to stay connected above the clouds.

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Airbus welcomes London Gatwick to global hydrogen hub network

Airbus has teamed up with London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products, the world’s largest hydrogen supplier, to expand hydrogen capability and infrastructure in the UK as the manufacturer moves closer to its target of getting a hydrogen-powered aircraft in the sky by 2035. 

Setting up the right infrastructure is key to enabling hydrogen flight and this partnership is yet another step towards making this a reality in the UK. 

Under Airbus’ Hydrogen Hubs at Airport's framework, the scope of work covers liquid hydrogen supply and storage at the airport, refuelling and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft, as well as the exploration of other, shorter-term opportunities for using hydrogen at London Gatwick. 

Because early hydrogen-powered aircraft will initially focus on short to medium-haul routes, London Gatwick’s position as the UK’s leading hub for these services, along with easyJet’s operational insight as a short-haul carrier, makes this the ideal testbed for R&D into critical support infrastructure. This collaboration between Airbus, London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products will serve as a powerful statement of commitment to making hydrogen-powered flight a reality by 2035. 

Airbus Vice President ZEROe Project Glenn Llewellyn said: “Our licence to operate hinges on finding better ways to fly. We know hydrogen has the versatility to be an excellent fuel source for decarbonising the industry. We’ve set ambitious targets to fly on hydrogen by 2035 and this technology needs to be supported by reliable and tested infrastructure. Sharing knowledge and best practices at airports will be critical for building the right hydrogen ecosystem around the world and we look forward to working with all consortium members to develop the support for the technology and end-to-end hydrogen supply chain that will power future flight.”