AECOM and HAV working on infrastructure for zero carbon aviation

The partnership sees AECOM and Hybrid Air Vehicles sign a memorandum of understanding which sets out the basis and scope of a long-term infrastructure partnership. AECOM will provide end-to-end infrastructure partner services to facilitate the operation of the hybrid aircraft.

Airlander is described as hybrid because it derives lift from a combination of aerodynamic lift, lifting gases, and vectored thrust.

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Toby Uppington, director, Energy, AECOM told The Engineer that the Airlander will deliver 90 per cent fewer emissions than other aircraft when it enters service in 2026 and will run entirely on hydrogen by 2030 through fuel cell technology.

“As HAV decarbonise their power train, AECOM will work with them to develop the infrastructure required to operate the system – and to support the operating requirements of their customers,” he said. “At present there is no firm commitment made to the nature of the hydrogen to be used, but in line with the positioning of the platform the intention would likely be linked to a low/zero carbon source.”