airBaltic and Fokker Next Gen Partner to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

Latvian airline airBaltic and Dutch company Fokker Next Gen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. The aircraft, set to enter service in 2035, will have a capacity of 120-150 passengers and a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers.

Why this matters: The development of hydrogen-powered aircraft has significant implications for reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. If successful, this technology could pave the way for widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, helping to mitigate climate change.

The MoU marks a significant step in the use of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial aircraft. airBaltic will contribute its expertise to the development of Fokker Next Gen's new liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. The partnership will explore the feasibility of hydrogen-powered aircraft for airBaltic's routes.

The aircraft will be designed with a dual fuel tank system, allowing it to fly on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or kerosene when liquid hydrogen is not available. This flexibility ensures the aircraft can operate on airBaltic's existing network while the hydrogen infrastructure develops.

Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are glad to sign this MoU and collaborate with Fokker Next Gen by sharing our insights and expertise in their work to develop a hydrogen-powered aircraft. We see this as an important step for the future of the aviation." The development of a hydrogen-powered aircraft aligns with airBaltic's commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the aviation industry and EU commitments.

The collaboration between Fokker Next Gen and airBaltic could become a blueprint for future sustainable aviation solutions. Fokker Next Gen plans to produce the hydrogen-powered aircraft in both the Netherlands and Latvia. The company aims to revolutionize the industry with its eco-friendly aircraft powered by renewable energy sources. By leveraging their collective expertise and rich aviation experience, Fokker Next Gen and airBaltic seek to accelerate the introduction of carbon-free aircraft, marking an important step towards a more sustainable aviation industry.

Key Takeaways

• airBaltic and Fokker Next Gen partner to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft.
• Aircraft to have 120-150 passenger capacity and 2,500 km range, entering service in 2035.
• Dual fuel tank system allows for SAF or kerosene use when liquid hydrogen is unavailable.
• Partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions in aviation, aligning with EU and industry commitments.
• Fokker Next Gen plans to produce aircraft in Netherlands and Latvia, revolutionizing sustainable aviation.