Airbus and ZeroAvia collaborated to create hydrogen hubs through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signings with three major Canadian airports YUL, YYZ and YVR aiming for zero carbon emission.
Airbus and ZeroAvia have entered into separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements with three of Canada’s busiest airports—Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR)—to assess the viability of hydrogen infrastructure implementation. This development was disclosed during a press conference held at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, hosted by Aéro Montréal.
Karine Guenan, Vice-President of ZEROe Ecosystem, said “Canada is one of the most promising regions for hydrogen hubs due to its natural resources. Canada has great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric power. These first Canadian hydrogen partnerships enable us to cover the country from coast to coast. Hydrogen stands out as a key enabler as we pioneer a sustainable aviation future. We are very pleased to enter into this cooperation with partners fully engaged to take significant steps towards decarbonising aerospace. It fits perfectly with our strategy of deploying hydrogen aviation ecosystems in the most suitable parts of the world, now including North America.”
This marks the inaugural large-scale feasibility study in Canada aimed at pioneering the use of hydrogen for aviation, involving three prominent airports in the country. This demonstrates the mutual aspiration of the partners to leverage their expertise in advancing the decarbonization of the aviation sector and working towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said “We are bringing together Canada’s largest airports, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer and the leading innovator in decarbonised propulsion technology, in order to progress the transition to hydrogen aviation. ZeroAvia flight testing demonstrates that hydrogen-powered commercial aviation is a prospect ahead of 2030, so we need to start working hard to prepare for the hydrogen infrastructure needed to support the aviation industry and airports as they step into a new golden age of clean flight.”
Air transport plays a crucial role in Canada due to its vast geographical spread, facilitating both international connections and vital domestic connectivity. Commercial flights are essential for the transportation of goods, investments, people, and ideas, which are fundamental for economic development. According to forecasts, air transport in Canada is projected to grow by 51% over the next 20 years under the ‘current trends’ scenario, leading to an estimated increase of 39.8 million passenger journeys by 2037.
Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, said “ADM is committed to decarbonizing airport operations and improving air quality at its YUL and YMX sites. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for aircraft is a forward-looking solution that fits perfectly with these goals. This partnership will allow our organization not only to better prepare for the introduction of this alternative in our airport operations, but above all to adequately plan the infrastructure required to offer it at YUL as early as 2035. As Montréal is the world’s civil aviation capital, we are all the more proud that our city is playing a leading role in this sustainable innovation project.:”
This collaboration aims to enhance understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts, operations, infrastructure requirements, and refueling needs at airports, with the objective of fostering the development of a hydrogen aviation ecosystem throughout Canada. Additionally, the initiative will work towards supporting the establishment of regulations and standards in this field. Given Montreal’s status as the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), collaboration is pivotal in facilitating a cohesive global framework for this endeavor.
The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft is not only expected to significantly reduce aircraft emissions in the air, but could also help decarbonise air transport activities on the ground. In 2020, Airbus unveiled the first ZEROe concept with the ambition to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. The development of the corresponding technology bricks is now underway in a global Research & Technology network.
Airbus initiated the ‘Hydrogen Hub at Airports’ program to initiate research on infrastructure needs and low-carbon airport operations throughout the entire aviation value chain. Agreements have been announced with partners and airports in ten countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. With the aim of expanding its hydrogen network and partnerships in North America, ZEROe is actively seeking collaborators in the region.
Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson, said “Toronto Pearson is committed to making our own operations and those of the larger aviation industry more sustainable. Our partnership with Airbus and ZeroAvia is an extension of our ongoing efforts to adopt clean energy solutions, including the construction of our new hydrogen filling station. The future of airports and their aviation partners will be built with innovative infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact.”
ZeroAvia is currently pursuing certification for its ZA600 powertrain, designed for 10-20 seat aircraft, with plans for market entry in the coming years. Additionally, the company is in the process of developing a second engine, ZA2000, intended for 40-80 seat aircraft, scheduled to follow shortly thereafter. ZeroAvia is also actively involved in building the hydrogen fuel ecosystem to facilitate the operation of these clean propulsion systems at airports. This includes the development of unique production, storage, and dispensing technologies, as well as collaboration with airport partners to prepare for hydrogen operations in the near future.
Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport, said “We know when it comes to climate change, aviation isn’t the enemy, carbon is. Looking into the feasibility of airports as Hydrogen Hubs is an important step on the journey to net zero carbon emissions. The collaboration between Airbus, ZeroAvia and the three biggest airports in Canada will help identify the changes required in our industry and supporting ecosystem to meet carbon reduction goals.”
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Airbus has established a significant presence in Canada over the past 40 years, employing over 4,500 individuals across ten sites and offices. Annually, Airbus and its subsidiaries contribute approximately C$2 billion to the Canadian economy through procurement from local companies. Notably, Canada serves as the primary location for the A220 aircraft, with its main final assembly lines, pre-assembly line, and key program, engineering, and customer service offices situated in Mirabel, Quebec.
Q. – What is the purpose of the MoU agreements between Airbus, ZeroAvia, and the Canadian airports?
A. – Assess viability of hydrogen infrastructure.
Q. – What are the main goals of the Airbus and ZeroAvia collaboration?
A. – Advance aviation decarbonization.
