Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Collaboration to Accelerate Hydrogen Aircraft Operations in Japan
Key Ideas
  • Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki signed an MoU to study hydrogen infrastructure feasibility at three airports in Japan's Kansai region.
  • The partnership aims to define a hydrogen supply roadmap based on specific aircraft and airport characteristics, considering technology, economics, and legal aspects.
  • A forecast predicts a growing demand for liquid hydrogen at the airports, with the potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft operations by 2035.
  • The collaboration signifies a step towards decarbonization in the aviation industry, aligning with Japan's target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have joined forces to expedite the readiness of hydrogen aircraft operations in Japan, particularly at three airports in the Kansai region. This initiative includes studying the feasibility of establishing hydrogen infrastructure at Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport. The partnership's focus is on developing a hydrogen infrastructure and supply roadmap tailored to the airports' specific characteristics, encompassing technology, economics, legal considerations, and operational aspects. The collaboration, which builds on Airbus's previous work with Kansai Airports on hydrogen use in airport infrastructure, aims to pave the way for hydrogen-fueled aircraft operations by 2035. The partnership's efforts include forecasting a demand for liquid hydrogen at the airports, with projected increases over time. This endeavor aligns with the global attention on hydrogen as a decarbonization solution, with Japan promoting a hydrogen-based energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki's joint efforts are seen as crucial for advancing the decarbonization of airport infrastructure in Japan. The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft is expected not only to reduce emissions in the air but also contribute to decarbonizing ground transport activities. This partnership represents a significant step towards sustainable aviation, supporting efforts to combat climate change and promote environmentally friendly practices in the aviation sector.
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