Future LH2 based aviation brings a bunch of challenges for airport operator

Unlike SAF-based aviation, the transition to liquid hydrogen (LH2)-based aviation necessitates substantial adaptations and systemic changes to airport infrastructure and operations. Whereas SAF can generally be integrated into existing fuel storage and distribution systems with minimal modifications and without requiring significant changes to airport operating approvals, the deployment of LH2-powered aircraft entails a fundamental redesign of the entire fueling ecosystem.

Dedicated LH2 storage infrastructure must be established, along with new supply chains and delivery systems, including truck- and pipeline-based transport solutions. Furthermore, aircraft refueling operations require entirely different technologies, equipment, and procedures. The implementation of LH2 also results in significantly larger ATEX-classified hazardous zones and more demanding permitting and regulatory processes. Additionally, the short turnaround times of commercial aircraft necessitate exceptionally high refueling rates, which currently exceed the capabilities of most commercially available pumping systems. To address these challenges, the EU-funded research and innovation project GOLIAT brings together partners such as Airbus, Chart Industries, and the airports of Stuttgart, Rotterdam, Lyon, and Budapest to advance LH2 refueling concepts from theoretical studies to real-world airport operations.