The airport has formed a partnership with Lufthansa Technik, an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul service provider. This collaboration aims to make the aviation industry in Germany more suitable for the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

While Hamburg Airport has already established its reputation for using renewable diesel in its ground vehicles, the focus on hydrogen fuel and SAF represents a new direction in its sustainability efforts. The airport’s partnership with Lufthansa Technik will play a crucial role in advancing these technologies.

Lufthansa Technik will conduct a series of tests and experiments over the next few years to evaluate the handling and viability of hydrogen fuel technology. To facilitate these tests, Lufthansa Technik is collaborating with the Center for Applied Aeronautical Research and the German Aerospace Center. These partnerships will ensure comprehensive testing and analysis of hydrogen fuel systems.

Funding for the project has been provided by the city of Hamburg, emphasizing the commitment of local authorities to sustainable aviation. The tests will be conducted in a unique laboratory setting, utilizing an Airbus A320 aircraft from Lufthansa Technik’s base in Hamburg. This stationary laboratory, known as the Hydrogen Aviation Lab, will enable the partners to evaluate the impact of liquid hydrogen (LH2) on maintenance and ground processes.

Equipped with a wide range of testing systems, a liquid hydrogen fuel tank, and a fuel cell, the Hydrogen Aviation Lab will simulate real-world conditions for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The lab will also incorporate supporting ground-based hydrogen infrastructure to ensure comprehensive testing and evaluation.

By using the Hydrogen Aviation Lab, Hamburg Airport and Lufthansa Technik will gain valuable insights into the handling and maintenance of hydrogen-powered aircraft. This knowledge will be crucial as the aviation industry aims to introduce hydrogen-powered commercial flights by the mid-2030s.