Hamburg Airport integrates into the international "Hydrogen Airport Hub" network
Hamburg Airport is taking a significant step towards a greener future, collaborating with other international hubs in the global Research and Technology (R&T) network focused on hydrogen technology for future commercial aircraft.
The global R&T network, which includes members from eight countries, is driving forward the development of the corresponding technology building blocks. This network's aim is to research, develop, and expand the infrastructure for using hydrogen in aviation.
Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO of Hamburg Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that Hamburg Airport has been actively working on laying the foundations for the hydrogen-related work over many years. The international hubs, including Paris - Charles de Gaulle and Changi Airport in Singapore, are working together on an equal basis.
One of the practical implementations of this collaboration is Hamburg Airport's use of a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, which is undergoing real-world testing as part of the North German Living Lab initiative aimed at achieving CO2-free airport mobility.
Hamburg's commitment to hydrogen and sustainable aviation doesn't stop at the airport. The city is strongly advancing hydrogen infrastructure and sustainable aviation through the GATE II funding program. This program supports five research and development projects focused on ecological transformation, including hydrogen infrastructure. The program involves collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and large corporations, and injects up to €3.9 million to boost innovative hydrogen and other sustainable aviation technologies.
Airbus, a key player in this global R&T network, presented its ZEROe concept aircraft in 2020. The "Hydrogen Hub at Airport" programme, launched by Airbus in 2020, drives research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations across the value chain. Karine Guénan, Vice President of ZEROe Hydrogen Ecosystem, stated that Hamburg Airport's expertise in hydrogen will be valuable for Airbus' ZEROe Ecosystem.
The cooperation in Hamburg includes Linde, a leading global industrial gases and engineering company. Hamburg Airport became the first German member of the "Hydrogen Hub at Airport" network on December 1, 2023.
The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft could significantly reduce emissions in the air, making it a promising solution for a more sustainable aviation industry. While the search results do not provide direct reports of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft flights at Hamburg, the city's investment into hydrogen infrastructure and sustainable systems under GATE II suggests strategic groundwork to support future hydrogen aviation development. Hamburg is positioning itself as a pioneer in climate-friendly mobility and an aviation hub advancing hydrogen technology—not just for ground operations but also as part of supporting technology for future aircraft sustainability.
Environmental science and technological advancements are at the forefront of Hamburg Airport's collaboration with other international hubs to achieve CO2-free airport mobility and a greener future. The global R&T network, consisting of members from eight countries, is researching, developing, and building infrastructure for using hydrogen in aviation, with Hamburg Airport's involvement in practical implementations like the real-world testing of a hydrogen-powered baggage tug. Moreover, Hamburg is also promoting hydrogen infrastructure and sustainable aviation through the GATE II funding program, working towards the long-term goal of reduced emissions and a more sustainable aviation industry.
