Air New Zealand and Airbus to Research
Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft in Aotearoa
Air New Zealand and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are
working on a joint initiative to research how hydrogen-powered
aircraft could assist the airline with reaching its goal of net
zero emissions by 2050.
The two companies have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to explore the opportunities and challenges of
flying zero-emission hydrogen aircraft in New Zealand.
Under the MOU, Air New Zealand will analyse the
impact hydrogen aircraft may have on its network, operations and
infrastructure, while Airbus will provide hydrogen aircraft
performance requirements and ground operations characteristics to
support Air New Zealand to develop its decarbonisation roadmap.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran,
said, "This agreement brings us a step closer to our net
zero emissions by 2050 commitment, and to realising our aspiration
to put low carbon solutions in place for our shorter domestic and
regional flights in the next decade. New Zealand has a unique
opportunity to be a world leader in the adoption of zero emissions
aircraft, given the country's commitment to renewable energy which
can be used to generate green hydrogen and our highly connected
regional air network.
"At this stage, both hydrogen and battery electric
aircraft are still on the table as potential options for our
shorter domestic flights, along with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(SAF) for long haul operations. This research will help to inform
future decision making as we work to decarbonise the airline."
Airbus is currently looking at three concepts for
hydrogen-powered aircraft, including a turboprop, turbofan and
blended wing option.
"This agreement with Air New Zealand will provide
us with important insights about how we could put a zero-emission
aircraft into service. The joint study will enable us to gain
invaluable feedback on what airlines will expect and their
preferences in terms of configuration and performance," said Anand
Stanley, Airbus Asia-Pacific President.
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