The 2024 Farnborough Airshow is a pivotal event in the aerospace industry, spotlighting the future of sustainable aviation with a significant focus on hydrogen-powered aircraft. The event has gathered major industry players, including manufacturers, airlines, and policymakers, to discuss and showcase the latest advancements in aviation technology, particularly those centered around hydrogen as a clean fuel source.
Key highlights and takeaways from the airshow include:
New UK government confirms sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) policy: The newly elected UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, confirmed that the proposed SAF mandate will proceed. King Charles also announced the development of a "revenue certainty" mechanism to stabilize the revenue of prospective SAF plants, aiming to include 10% SAF in the UK jet fuel mix by 2030.
Industry injects cash into new fuels and forges new collaborations: Airbus led the way with several sustainability announcements, including a direct investment in LanzaJet for SAF production and a memorandum of collaboration with Airports Council International (ACI) World to scale low-carbon fuels. These partnerships are essential for spreading the risks associated with advanced SAF technologies and driving global adoption.
Zero-emission aircraft gather momentum: Hydrogen-powered aircraft were a significant focus, with Airbus announcing a partnership with Avolon to explore financing for future hydrogen-powered planes. ZeroAvia also secured orders for 22 hydrogen-electric engines to be retrofitted into Ecojet's turboprop fleet. The airshow highlighted the growing demand for zero-emission aircraft, though the number of hydrogen aircraft orders still lags behind conventional aircraft.
Increasing spotlight on airports and the fuel changes and disruptions they face: Airports took center stage as the industry discussed the adaptations needed to accommodate new fuels, especially hydrogen. Trials at Gatwick Airport and other locations are exploring hydrogen supply, handling, refueling, and storage. The industry emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and consistent refueling standards across regions to support the adoption of hydrogen and other sustainable fuels.
These takeaways underscore the aviation industry's commitment to innovation and collaboration as it moves toward a more sustainable future.
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(Top image: Credit — Airbus)
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