MONTREAL — Airbus and ZeroAvia have announced they have signed memorandums of understanding with Canada’s three busiest airports, Montreal–Trudeau, Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Canada.
The initiative will study hydrogen aircraft concepts and operations, supply, infrastructure and refuelling needs at airports, stated a release.
The stated goal is to develop the hydrogen aviation sector across the country as part of the path to decarbonizing the aviation industry and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The announcement took place at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, organized by Aero Montreal. The work will also support the development of regulations and standards.
Airbus also launched the Hydrogen Hub at Airports program to accelerate research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations. To date agreements have been announced with partners and airports in 10 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
“Canada is one of the most promising regions for hydrogen hubs due to its natural resources,” stated said Karine Guenan, vice-president of ZEROe Ecosystem, in a statement. “Canada has great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric power. Hydrogen stands out as a key enabler as we pioneer a sustainable aviation future.”