Atlanta Airport and Partners Explore Hydrogen Fuel for Greener Aviation

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), along with Airbus, Delta Air Lines, and Plug Power, have united to explore the possibility of using hydrogen fuel at the world’s busiest airport, aiming to propel a more sustainable future for air travel.

The collaborative study aims to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating hydrogen as a fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL. It will delve into infrastructure requirements, operational viability, as well as safety and security considerations. Moreover, the initiative seeks to shed light on the potential for establishing hydrogen hubs at airports globally.

The adoption of hydrogen for powering upcoming aircraft models holds the promise of eradicating carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft and decarbonizing ground activities related to air transport—a collective objective of all participating entities in advancing the sustainability of the aviation sector.

The Atlanta-based study, which commenced earlier this year, is part of Airbus’s broader effort announced on May 21, encompassing three studies with various partners. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the study at ATL seeks to leverage the airport’s longstanding leadership in the commercial aviation industry to pave the way for hydrogen’s potential adoption.

Michael Smith, ATL Senior Deputy General Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the study, highlighting the airport’s commitment to exploring viable alternatives for sustainable aviation. As part of the initiative, ATL will provide insights into its current layout and organizational plans, fostering collaborative progress.

Airbus launched the Hydrogen Hub at Airports program to catalyze research into infrastructure needs and low-carbon airport operations worldwide. With agreements already in place with partners and airports across 13 countries, the program underscores the global significance of transitioning to hydrogen.

Karine Guénan, Airbus’ Vice President ZEROe Ecosystem, emphasized the importance of ground-level preparations for hydrogen adoption, emphasizing collaboration with key players like Delta, Plug, and ATL.

Delta, as the largest airline operating at ATL and a core partner in Airbus’s ZEROe program since 2022, reiterated its commitment to sustainability. Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Amelia Deluca, stressed the necessity of collective action among aviation stakeholders to realize a sustainable future, with hydrogen playing a pivotal role.

Plug Power, renowned for its contributions to the green hydrogen economy, brings its expertise in hydrogen infrastructure to the forefront of the ATL study. CEO Andy Marsh highlighted the significant potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing aviation and expressed readiness to support ATL through its newly established green hydrogen plant in Woodbine, Georgia.

The collaborative effort among ATL, Airbus, Delta, and Plug Power signifies a pivotal step towards reshaping the aviation industry for a more sustainable tomorrow.