Airbus and Kansai Airports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the use of hydrogen at three of the Group’s Japanese airports (Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport).
Airbus and Kansai Airports will collaborate on a roadmap to overcome difficulties and create a hydrogen advocacy plan as part of this relationship. The investigation into the development of infrastructure for the use of hydrogen in the aviation sector would be led by both parties.
Each partner will use their complementary skills to assist outline the possible prospects for hydrogen to enhance the aviation industry’s decarbonization. For ground operations, Airbus will give aircraft characteristics, fleet energy use, and information on hydrogen-powered aircraft. Kansai Airports will research the infrastructure needed at airports to accommodate hydrogen-powered aircraft.
“We are delighted to welcome Kansai Airports, one of Japan’s largest airport groups,” said Stéphane Ginoux, President of Airbus Japan and Head of Airbus’ North Asia area. “Hydrogen is one of the most promising zero-emission technologies since it can be produced using renewable energy and produces no emissions.” Renewable hydrogen will aid in the decarbonization of not only airplanes but all airport-related ground transportation as well.”
“We have established a goal for the three airports we run to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and this relationship with top aircraft manufacturer Airbus will help us achieve that objective,” said Yoshiyuki Yamaya, Representative Director and CEO of Kansai Airports. “We are pleased to expand here in Japan the cooperative efforts between Airbus and our partner VINCI Airports, which is spearheading the adoption of hydrogen in airports, to decarbonize air transport,” said Benoit Rulleau, Representative Director and Co-CEO. In the realm of hydrogen development, Japan has a very dynamic environment.”
Airbus is already collaborating with airports across the world, including a Memorandum of Understanding with VINCI Airports, to accelerate the use of hydrogen in the aviation sector. This is the first MoU signed by Airbus with a Japanese airport operator, and it follows the one struck last month with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to collaborate on the realization of a hydrogen society in Japan.
