Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft at Airports: A Review of the Infrastructure Requirements and Planning Challenges

Yue Gu (), Mirjam Wiedemann, Tim Ryley, Mary E. Johnson and Michael John Evans
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Yue Gu: School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton 4701, Australia
Mirjam Wiedemann: School of Aviation, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
Tim Ryley: Griffith Aviation, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Mary E. Johnson: School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Michael John Evans: UniSA STEM, The University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: Hydrogen-fueled aircraft are a promising innovation for a sustainable future in aviation. While hydrogen aircraft design has been widely studied, research on airport requirements for new infrastructure associated with hydrogen-fueled aircraft and its integration with existing facilities is scarce. This study analyzes the current body of knowledge and identifies the planning challenges which need to be overcome to enable the operation of hydrogen flights at airports. An investigation of the preparation of seven major international airports for hydrogen-powered flights finds that, although there is commitment, airports are not currently prepared for hydrogen-based flights. Major adjustments are required across airport sites, covering land use plans, airside development, utility infrastructure development, and safety, security, and training. Developments are also required across the wider aviation industry, including equipment updates, such as for refueling and ground support, and supportive policy and regulations for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The next 5–10 years is identified from the review as a critical time period for airports, given that the first commercial hydrogen-powered flight is likely to depart in 2026 and that the next generation of short-range hydrogen-powered aircraft is predicted to enter service between 2030 and 2035.

Keywords: sustainable aviation; airport planning; hydrogen; airport strategy; airport operations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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