SAS is taking a significant step towards sustainable aviation by focusing on hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to introduce them to airports in Sweden and Norway.
The airline has joined forces with Airbus, Avinor, Swedavia, and Vattenfall, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to assess the feasibility of a hydrogen infrastructure at airports in the two Nordic monarchies.
Collaboration for Hydrogen
This groundbreaking collaboration, the first of its kind, will enable a comprehensive partnership for the development and operations related to hydrogen-powered aircraft, necessary supplies, infrastructure, and refueling requirements at airports. The goal is to contribute to the establishment of a robust hydrogen aviation ecosystem in both countries, serving as a trailblazer for sustainable aviation.
The joint effort goes beyond identifying opportunities and challenges associated with introducing hydrogen-powered aircraft at airports (over 50), extending to the selection of airports set to pioneer this change. The companies involved are aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Hydrogen will also have a positive impact on decarbonizing ground activities related to air transport. In 2020, Airbus unveiled its ZEROe concept, designed to introduce the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. Currently, the development of the necessary technological components is underway in a global Research and Technology network.
Airbus has additionally launched the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program to promote research on low-carbon infrastructure and airport operations, involving partners and airports in ten countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
A Paradigm Shift in Sustainable Aviation
This strategic collaboration not only signifies a paradigm shift in the aviation industry but also reflects the commitment of key players to embrace innovative solutions for a sustainable future. By investing in hydrogen-powered aircraft and infrastructure, SAS, Airbus, Avinor, Swedavia, and Vattenfall are at the forefront of shaping the future of green aviation.
As the aviation industry grapples with the imperative to reduce its environmental footprint, initiatives like these showcase the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel source. The comprehensive approach, addressing both air and ground operations, positions this collaboration as a milestone towards achieving the ambitious target of zero net carbon emissions in the aviation sector by 2050.
