Hydrogen-electric powertrain developer H2FLY, Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering (JALEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to research and evaluate the feasibility of hydrogen-electric aviation in Japan.
Focusing on the evaluating the efficacy of hydrogen-powered fixed-wing aircraft (initially targeting regional routes), the study will evaluate the powertrain requirements needed for varying distances of flights and aircraft size, as well as technical specifications according to JAL’s commercial operations. H2FLY – who successfully completed the world’s first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft two months ago - will subsequently test and validate the findings of the study.
“Through this partnership, we’re moving forward to the realization of hydrogen-powered flight in Japan,” commented president of JALEC Ryo Tamura; adding that the collaboration allows JALEC to “lead and contribute to safe and sustainable aviation in Japan”.
Since setting out its Clean Growth Strategy in 2020, announcing its intentions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, investment into hydrogen strategies has been a key part of Japan’s environmental strategy. In June 2023, Japan’s revised hydrogen strategy announced a $170 billion investment in the sector; increasing supply sixfold to 12 million tonnes per year by 2040.