Delta Air Lines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to collaborate on research for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The carrier will become the first US-based airline to partner with Airbus on the development of hydrogen aircraft.
Delta forms hydrogen partnership with Airbus
As part of its Flight to Net Zero initiative, Delta Air Lines will partner with aerospace manufacturer Airbus to accelerate the development of hydrogen-fueled aircraft. The carrier has said that no financial investment is involved in this partnership. Delta said in a statement announcing the agreement,
“Delta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become the first US-based airline to collaborate with Airbus on the research and development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and the ecosystem required to make the transition.”
The partnership will focus on aircraft concept, aviation ecosystem and coalition building. Photo: Delta
Feedback on economics, operations, and technology
The partnership will focus on the economic, operational, and technical feasibility of using hydrogen power in the aviation industry. Airbus plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered plane into service by the mid-2030s and wants feedback from potential customers.
Delta becomes Airbus’ first US-based partner on its ‘ZEROe‘ hydrogen project. Three other carriers have signed similar agreements – easyJet, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Pam Fletcher, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said,
“To pull the future of sustainable aviation forward, we need to accelerate the development and commercialization of potentially disruptive technologies. 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.”
Details of the partnership
According to Delta, the partnership will focus on three key areas:
- Aircraft…