Airbus and Kansai Airports have signed a MoU to explore the use of H₂ at three of the group’s airports in Japan (Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport).

Through this partnership, Airbus and Kansai Airports will jointly prepare a roadmap to address challenges and define an advocacy plan for H₂ needs. Both parties would lead the study into the development of infrastructure for the use of H₂ in the aviation sector.

Each partner will leverage their complementary expertise to help define the potential opportunities that H₂ can offer in support of the decarbonization of the aviation industry. Airbus will provide aircraft characteristics, fleet energy usage, and insight on H₂-powered aircraft for ground operations. Kansai Airports will study the infrastructure required at the airports for the introduction of H₂-fueled aircraft.

“We are very pleased to have Kansai Airports, one of Japan's major airport groups, on board,” said Stéphane Ginoux, Head of North Asia region for Airbus and President of Airbus Japan. “H₂ is one of the most promising zero-emission technologies as it can be created from renewable energy and does not produce emissions. Renewable H₂ will help decarbonize not only aircraft but also all airport-associated ground transport.”

“We have set a target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for the three airports we operate, and this partnership with leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus will help us reach this goal,” said Yoshiyuki Yamaya, Representative Director and CEO of Kansai Airports.

Benoit Rulleau, Representative Director and Co-CEO, added, “We are glad to extend here in Japan the joint efforts between Airbus and our shareholder VINCI Airports, leading the introduction of H₂ in airports, to decarbonize air transport. Japan boasts a very active environment in the field of H₂ development.”