The partners collaborate with 24 associated organisations to shape the future of aviation by implementing hydrogen solutions in the aviation sector. Over the next three years pre-conditions for hydrogen-powered flights are to be established with the goal of enabling first demonstration flights in the Baltic Sea region within this decade.

The EU supports “BSR HyAirport” through the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program with a total amount of approximately 3.8 million euros distributed among various partners. The Project seeks to establish applications of hydrogen technology in aviation. Gaseous green hydrogen is initially well-suited as a fuel for flights over shorter distances, making it particularly suitable for flight connections in the Baltic Sea Region. Regular air traffic with regional aircraft of up to approximately 80 seats is expected in this decade.

Project partners aim to develop, test, and evaluate practical solutions to facilitate the application of this key technology for airports and airlines. Simultaneously, they will prepare for challenges such as provision, storage, and handling of green hydrogen. One of the goals is to facilitate demonstration flights during the Project duration phase between partner airports in collaboration with airlines. This requires Project partners to be prepared for the specific requirements of handling hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Furthermore, the Project partnership will address legal frameworks, the entire supply chain, including potential local production, hydrogen transport to airports, hydrogen storage, and aircraft refuelling. Another work package will investigate and test additional uses of hydrogen at airports, such as ground handling services.

“The BSR HyAirport Project is a significant step for us on our path towards the environmental transition in the aviation sector,” explains Marcin Drzycimski, Strategy and Development Director at Poznań Airport. “There are still many questions to be answered before the regular use of hydrogen. We are glad to do this in close collaboration with partners who are just as committed to finding answers as we are.”

Poznań Airport actively participates in the initiatives undertaken by the Wielkopolska Hydrogen Valley aiming at developing its own installation for production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen. The currently elaborated feasibility study will indicate optimal solutions for production of hydrogen with the use of solar farm and electrolyser, its storage in energy storage systems, and distribution through a hydrogen refuelling station at Poznań Airport premises.