A memorandum of understanding between Delta Air Lines and Airbus calls for joint research and development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and a “ecosystem” of related infrastructure.
Delta is the first U.S. airline to sign on to Airbus’ Zero E program, which aims to develop a hydrogen-powered, narrowbody-class airliner that will enter service in 2035, as part of the carrier’s Flight to Net Zero plan. With the help of EasyJet, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Air New Zealand, the European budget carrier has already agreed to study the infrastructure requirements for future hydrogen-powered planes..
To develop commercial hydrogen-fueled aircraft, Delta will identify the operational and infrastructure requirements necessary to develop a hydrogen-fueled fleet and network.
Hydrogen-powered aircraft are being studied for their technical and economic viability, as well as for their potential performance in Delta’s fleet and operations, as part of the company’s research. The airline cited flight-range limitations, refueling time, and airport compatibility as examples of those factors.
Additionally, the infrastructure required to develop green hydrogen, scale it up, make it available at airports across the country, and examine regulations and costs must be taken into account. A decarbonized aviation future, including pathways to hydrogen production, will be promoted by Delta and Airbus together with key industry stakeholders in the future, Delta announced today in a press release.
Airbus’ Zero E program, which will be unveiled in September 2020, includes three hydrogen-powered platform options; the company expects to make a decision in 2024. In 2025, a technology demonstrator is expected to take to the skies. Hydrogen ground demonstrators were developed last year by engineers to help them address the complex technology risks surrounding the hydrogen power ecosystem, such as hydrogen’s volume and cryogenic characteristics.
With a blended wing airframe, Airbus says the plane can carry up to 200 passengers on flights lasting up to 2,000 nautical miles. A cabin and hydrogen storage and distribution would be possible thanks to the aircraft’s unusually wide fuselage, which joins the wing to the main body of the aircraft.
In addition, Airbus has shown off a more conventional narrowbody model that could carry between 120 and 200 passengers on a 2,000-nautical-mile flight path. Liquid hydrogen would be stored and distributed via tanks behind the rear pressure bulkhead and used to power a pair of modified gas turbine engines. Outer wing surfaces are swept back in this design.
The 100-seat twin turboprop is the third concept. Hydrogen fuelled modified gas turbines are also planned for the craft, which will have a maximum flight range of 1,000 nautical miles.
