The wider plans include developing sustainable aviation solutions that can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of regional aircraft.
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In order to achieve this, the study will cover a wide range of applications for new propulsion technologies to examine a range of potential solutions.
This includes exploring all-electric, hydrogen fuel cell or hydrogen fuelled gas turbine powered aircraft.
Should hydrogen be deemed as the best solution it provides a new avenue for hydrogen to support and will also help generate further demand for the clean energy carrier.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Technological innovations can potentially enable clean and renewable energy to power a new era of regional aviation.
“The aim of our collaboration is to create new flight solutions that serve expanded market segments in a sustainable manner. I strongly believe this could lead to fully sustainable connectivity, including (very) short haul intercity operations.”
Andreas Aks, CEO of Widerøe Zero, a subsidiary of Widerøe AS, said, “We are excited to take part in this highly interesting research. Working with the world’s leading aerospace technology firms, our aim is to understand how viable business can be built around zero emissions regional concepts, and to advise the manufacturers on operational requirements and customer expectations to design the best possible and sustainable air mobility service.”
Chris Cholerton, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said, “This is an exciting project which will shape our thinking on solutions for net-zero regional operation. As pioneers of power, this is the kind of engineering challenge that we relish.
“We have an excellent working relationship with both Embraer and Wideroe, and look forward to deepening our collaboration.”
A seismic shift for aviation: Airbus sets its sights on hydrogen powering the future of aircraft
Representing approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is in need of a disruptive change to its ‘business as usual’ if it is to meet its net zero objectives by 2050. One energy carrier emerging as a game-changing contender in the transformation of the sector is hydrogen, and Airbus is ready to be the catalyst for change.
With a 50-year track record of innovation, technological firsts and industry milestones, the designer and manufacturer of aerospace products, services and solutions to a customer base worldwide has indeed been ‘making it fly’ since the 1960s. In 1972, Airbus’ first aircraft, and the world’s first wide-body twin-aisle commercial aircraft, the A300B, performed its maiden flight, which at the time signalled the first steps towards changing the face of modern aviation. And Airbus is once again set to transform flight.
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