Airline Delta and aircraft manufacturer Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to research hydrogen-powered aircraft and the infrastructure required to supply them.

Under the agreement, Delta will work to identify the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel, while Airbus will investigate the technology requirements.

“Hydrogen fuel is an exciting concept that has the potential to redefine the status quo,” says Pam Fletcher, Delta’s chief sustainability officer.

“These tangible steps lay the groundwork for the next generation of aviation,” she adds.

“Hydrogen fuel is an exciting concept that has the potential to redefine the status quo” Fletcher, Delta

Together the two firms will explore the technical and economic viability of hydrogen-fuelled aircraft, including flight range limits, refuelling time and airport compatibility. They will also assess potential pathways to hydrogen production with other key industry stakeholders.

"To decarbonise aviation, we need to develop the right technology bricks and a dynamic hydrogen ecosystem," says Julie Kitcher, Airbus executive vice-president of corporate affairs.

"Through close collaboration with key partners, such as Delta, we will integrate our customers' expertise and specific needs to ensure our zero-emission aircraft will be a game-changer for sustainable aerospace."

Parallel collaboration

Earlier this month, Airbus signed a separate MoU with green hydrogen project developer Fortescue Future Industries to study the use of liquid hydrogen and power-to-liquid fuels for aviation.

The two firms announced a shared ambition to achieve widespread use of hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035.

Volume and safety constraints mean storing hydrogen in liquid form is the only real option for powering aircraft in a zero-carbon world, Glenn Llewellyn, vice-president of zero emissions aircraft at Airbus, told a PE Live roundtable last year.

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Author: Tom Young