PARIS - A collaborative effort led by Airbus has officially launched a project to pave the way for the large-scale adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source in aviation. The GOLIAT (Ground Operations of Liquid Hydrogen Aircraft) project, funded by the EU's Horizon Europe Framework Program, brings together a consortium of industry leaders, academic institutions, and airport operators from across Europe.

The urgency to decarbonize the aviation industry and achieve energy independence is driving significant investment in hydrogen technologies. GOLIAT aims to bridge the gap between theoretical potential and practical application by demonstrating the safe and efficient handling and refueling of liquid hydrogen (LH2) for commercial aircraft at three European airports. This four-year project will be instrumental in developing the necessary infrastructure and operational procedures for large-scale hydrogen use in aviation.

The project encompasses a multi-pronged approach. GOLIAT will focus on developing and scaling up LH2 refueling technologies to meet the demands of future commercial aircraft. Additionally, it will conduct real-world demonstrations of small-scale LH2 ground operations at airports. This will provide invaluable data for refining safety protocols and establishing standardization and certification frameworks for future widespread adoption. The project will also include a comprehensive economic analysis, assessing the viability and scalability of the entire hydrogen value chain within the airport ecosystem.

Hydrogen is a clean and efficient fuel source, LH2 boasts high energy density, enabling long-range flights. However, significant hurdles remain before large-scale deployment becomes a reality.

Source: Airbus
Associated URL: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-05-innovative-aviation-liquid-hydrogen-project-launched

OXFORD, England - London Oxford Airport is now offering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to aircraft operators, in blends of 10% or 30% with conventional jet fuel. This comes alongside the airport's broader efforts to become more environmentally friendly.

The airport recently built a new fuel farm and plans to open a facility to produce synthetic jet fuel by the third quarter. They're also home to Qdot Technologies, a developer of hybrid-electric powerplants for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drones.

Additionally, the airport has implemented new RNAV approach procedures for both runways in anticipation of the planned phaseout of ILS navigation systems by 2030.

Source: AIN
Associated URL: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-13/oxford-airport-begins-selling-saf-open-synthetic-fuel

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Archer Aviation is aiming to streamline operations after first-quarter expenses rose due to development efforts for its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The four-seater Midnight is on track for a launch in early 2025.

Archer reported non-GAAP expenses of $142.2 million in Q1, targeting a significant reduction to $80-95 million in Q2. This decrease follows upfront investments in manufacturing capabilities for key components. The company also incurred a net loss of $116.5 million, exceeding both the previous quarter and the same period in 2023.

Archer boasts healthy liquidity of $523 million, including $405.8 million in cash and equivalents. The company attributes elevated Q1 costs to non-recurring payments to secure supply chain partnerships and a one-time expense to settle an intellectual property lawsuit.

Assembly of the first production-conforming Midnight has begun at Archer's headquarters, with piloted flight tests planned later this year. Additionally, the company established a high-volume battery production line in San Jose, capable of supplying 15,000 packs annually for the future Georgia production facility.

Source: AIN
Associated URL: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-10/archer-expects-cut-evtol-aircraft-development-costs-q2
Author: Charles Alcock