Wizz Air, the European ultra-low-cost airline, has signed an MoU with Airbus to unlock the potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft operations.

The agreement entails Wizz Air studying the possibility for highly efficient and low-cost hydrogen powered operations. It will provide the low-budget airline with a better understanding of the positive impacts of operating a zero-emissions hydrogen aircraft on its future business model. 

Johan Eidhagen, Chief People & ESG Officer, Wizz Air said: “At Wizz Air, we remain ambitious with our growth strategy to deliver on our commitment to make travel affordable for all, while delivering a great customer experience on-board one of the youngest and greenest fleets in Europe. 

“We believe that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, with leading-edge new technology paving the way to more sustainable air travel. This momentous agreement with Airbus will advance sustainable aviation across the globe through development of ultra-efficient operations and business models of the future. We are absolutely thrilled and look forward to beginning our co-operation.”

The aim of this partnership is to study the operational and infrastructure potential and challenges of hydrogen aircraft. It will examine the changes of the global hydrogen ecosystem from the perspective of society, regulation, energy pricing and hydrogen infrastructure. 

It will also highlight the effects of hydrogen aircraft on Wizz Air’s fleet, operations and infrastructure, including its network, scheduling, ground bases and airports, by considering aircraft characteristics, such as achievable range and refuelling time, stated a press release.

Glenn Llewellyn, Vice President Zero Emission Aircraft, Airbus said: “Working with our customers is paramount to developing a climate-neutral, zero-emission aircraft by 2035. We are very pleased to have Wizz Air on board to collaborate on the ongoing research and development into the requirements for hydrogen aircraft operations within a hydrogen powered aviation ecosystem. 

“Understanding airline fleet and network performance enables us to better define the architectural characteristics for a future ZEROe aircraft as well as the impact on airports, ground support and route network.”