Airbus and ArianeGroup are collaborating to build the first liquid hydrogen refuelling facility at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) for Airbus’s ZEROe hydrogen aircraft.
The station is expected to be operational for ground handling staff in 2025.
ArianeGroup, a joint venture owned by Airbus and Safran, will design, produce and operate the liquid hydrogen fuelling system.
This facility will enable the demonstration of Airbus’ ZEROe aircraft as it completes its ground and flight tests, which are due to start in the middle of this decade.
“Many of the technologies required for a zero-emission aircraft are already available in other industries, and liquid hydrogen handling is no exception. Preparing for the entry into service of a zero-emission aircraft in 2035 means that we need to mature all of the required technologies in parallel. By partnering with ArianeGroup, we will leverage well known hydrogen expertise and other relevant space technologies in the pursuit of this goal.”
This announcement is the latest in Airbus’s ongoing initiatives to prepare airport’s for hydrogen-powered flights.
In support of its ambition to produce the world’s first zero-exhaust-emission commercial aircraft by 2035, Airbus aims to develop a global supply chain that spans from hydrogen production to airport storage, including the integration of hydrogen refuelling into standard ground handling operations.
“Airbus’ choice of us as partner is a vote of confidence, recognising half a century of expertise in liquid hydrogen for Ariane rocket propulsion. We are proud to be working with Airbus on these first steps towards liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. ArianeGroup, with its unique skills and know-how in the storage, testing, and use of liquid hydrogen, enables new industrial sectors in Europe to accelerate their energy transition.”
