Aerospace firm Airbus and SEA have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study and execute projects for the distribution of hydrogen at Milan’s airports.
These airports are Milano Linate (LIN) and Milano Malpensa (MXP) airports, which are managed by SEA.
Airbus is anticipated to launch the first hydrogen-driven aircraft around 2035.
The airports will take necessary actions to include facilities for the delivery of hydrogen to the new aeroplane.
Under the partnership, both firms will integrate their knowledge to enable aviation decarbonisation and outline the practical needs and prospects that hydrogen will bring to the aviation sector.
Several feasibility studies will be conducted for developing a hydrogen refuelling hub for non-aviation usage in the short term.
For the long term, infrastructure for hydrogen use in aviation will also be established.
Under this project, the airports are aiming to become hydrogen distributors and thus a reference point for the neighbouring region.
SEA CEO Armando Brunini said: “With this agreement, SEA has taken a concrete step forward in enabling important solutions for the decarbonisation of airports and the entire industry.
“We are going through an important transition and have chosen to be at the forefront of it, together with our partners. Innovation is in the DNA of aviation and, also thanks to Airbus, is moving towards a transformation that was unimaginable up to just a few years ago.”
Additionally, Airbus unveiled its plan to decarbonise the air transport sector.
One such project is the ZEROe project, which is exploring zero-emission capabilities for a future aircraft.
Last year in November, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) partnered with Airbus to support sustainable aviation.
