Delta Air Lines and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding calling for collaboration on the research and development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and the related infrastructure “ecosystem,” the Atlanta-based airline said Thursday.
Part of the carrier’s Flight to Net Zero plan to scale and advance sustainable technologies, the agreement makes Delta the first U.S. airline to partner with Airbus on the OEM’s Zero E program to develop a hydrogen-powered, narrowbody-class airliner scheduled to enter service in 2035. Airbus has already signed agreements with three other airlines—European budget carrier EasyJet, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Air New Zealand—to study infrastructure needs for future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
“To pull the future of sustainable aviation forward, we need to accelerate the development and commercialization of potentially disruptive technologies,” said Delta chief sustainability officer Pam Fletcher. “Hydrogen fuel is an exciting concept that has the potential to redefine the status quo. These tangible steps lay the groundwork for the next generation of aviation.”
Under the agreement, Delta will identify fleet and network expectations and the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel, said the airline.
The areas of focus include exploring the technical and economic viability of hydrogen-fueled aircraft, identifying the pathway for introduction into Delta’s fleet and operations, and gauging the aircraft’s potential performance in the fleet. Those considerations include flight-range limits, refueling time, and airport compatibility, said the airline.
Other considerations involve assessing the infrastructure needed to develop “green” hydrogen, bring it to scale, facilitate its availability at airports nationwide, and analyze regulation and costs. Finally, said Delta, it will partner with Airbus on advocating for a decarbonized future in…
