Airbus, Air France-KLM, Paris Region and Groupe ADP want to transform Paris airports into hydrogen hubs to support the European Commission’s goal for zero-emission aircrafts by 2035.

The consortium has today (11th Feb) called for expressions of interest to explore the opportunities generated by hydrogen in Paris airports to decarbonise air transport activities.

Launched with support of the Choose Paris Region agency, it is hoped the call will help build a unique airport ecosystem federated around hydrogen, major corporations, laboratories, start-ups and universities.

Three main themes have been outlined in the call for expressions of interest: storage, transportation and distribution of hydrogen, diversification of hydrogen use cases in airports and in aeronautics, and circular economy around hydrogen.

“Airbus is determined to drive a bold vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and to lead the transition to zero emission commercial flight,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice-President of Engineering at Airbus.

“Hydrogen is the one of the most promising technologies that will help us meet that objective – but we won’t be able to do it alone. This revolution will also require our regulatory and infrastructure ecosystems to change worldwide.”

Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of Groupe ADP added, “We are ready, with our partners, to federate a unique ecosystem to make possible the progressive integration of hydrogen at Paris airports.”

“We must prepare today to welcome the hydrogen aircraft in 2035 by transforming our airports into real hydrogen hubs, in which we wish to develop various uses, with our stakeholders, around airside and city-side ground mobility.”

“The support for research and development and the use of new energies is fundamental to move towards a more sustainable and responsible air transport,” said Anne-Sophie Le Lay, Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary Air France-KLM.

“This call for expressions of interest brings together leading partners to lay the foundations of an innovative and ambitious ecosystem.”

Applications will be open from February 11th to March 19th (2021) via the website h2hubairport.com and selected projects will be disclosed at the end of April.