Airbus has signed a Cooperation Agreement at the Singapore Airshow with Changi Airport Group, global industrial gasses and engineering company Linde, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to study the potential for a future hydrogen hub in the city state.
The agreement was signed by Airbus chief technical officer Sabine Klauke, Director-General of the CAAS Han Kok Juan, Executive vice president of Changi Airport Group Yam Kum Weng, and executive vice president of APAC Linde John Panikar.
Under the collaboration, the four partners will look at how hydrogen can be transported, stored and delivered to aircraft at existing and new airports. This expands on an earlier agreement with Airbus had with CAAS to evaluate hydrogen infrastructures, widening the scope to include the airport and energy provider.
Airbus will provide characteristics on aircraft configuration and fleet energy usage, insight on hydrogen-powered aircraft for ground operations, and data on the estimated hydrogen aircraft ramp-up at airports.
The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft is not only expected to significantly reduce aircraft emissions in the air, but could also help decarbonise air transport activities on the ground.
“The Asia-Pacific region will play a key role as we work towards making climate-neutral aviation a reality,” said Airbus chief technical officer Sabine Klauke.
“By partnering with Changi Airport and with Incheon Airport, Airbus will leverage the operational and technical expertise of two of the world’s leading hubs. The studies we will carry out together reflect the need for a cross-sectoral approach, including manufacturers, airlines, regulators, airports, energy providers and academia. We need bold and coordinated action to achieve our goals.”
On February 10, 2022, Airbus also signed a memorandum of agreement with South Korean aviation partners to explore and develop the use of hydrogen in the decarbonization of the aviation sector in South Korea.