Hydrogen Flight Corridor

Hamburg and Rotterdam Collaborate to enable H2-powered aircraft

At the 2023 Paris Air Show, Hamburg Airport (HAM), Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA), Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport, and Hamburg Aviation announced a groundbreaking collaboration. Their aim? To explore the viability of a hydrogen flight route connecting Hamburg and Rotterdam.

Hamburg Aviation Managing Director Ralf Gust: “As one of the first collaborations of its kind in Europe, this exciting initiative sets out the intention of two European airports to chart a path towards a flight route for hydrogen aircraft, exploring what’s needed to turn this idea into reality,” comments Ralf Gust, Managing Director of cluster network Hamburg Aviation. “Hamburg and Rotterdam are both hubs of advanced aviation research in the field of hydrogen, making this an ideal partnership to explore what’s needed to establish flight routes for hydrogen aircraft. I am certain that the partners in our cluster network will benefit from the sharing of expertise that’s core to this agreement. It’s a further catalyst towards a future hydrogen route network in aviation, itself a crucial path towards meeting our net zero targets,” Gust adds.

Aims of the Consortium

Hydrogen Flight Route

The consortium intends to establish a practical hydrogen flight route between the two cities. Using 2026 as a guideline, they envision commercial flights operating between RTHA and HAM in the future.

Sustainable Aviation

Both airports are committed to sustainable aviation. By facilitating ‘green’ flying through hydrogen-based technologies, they contribute to reducing fossil CO2 emissions. Hamburg Airport, in particular, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.

Industry Standards and Cooperation

Beyond the flight route, the collaboration extends to developing hydrogen infrastructure and industry standards. It also encourages cooperation in areas like digitized airports, renewable energy production, advanced training, and smart airport technology.

Consortium Members

Hamburg Airport (HAM)

HAM is dedicated to the goal of becoming the first major airport in Germany to achieve zero fossil CO2 emissions. The hydrogen flight route aligns with their climate protection program.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA)

RTHA brings expertise in hydrogen infrastructure and operations. They are proud to be part of this collaboration and look forward to facilitating the first hydrogen flight between Rotterdam and Hamburg.

Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport

This innovation hub contributes to accelerating the energy transition in aviation.

Hamburg Aviation

As a cluster network, Hamburg Aviation plays a crucial role in advancing aviation research related to hydrogen. Their technical cooperation with RTHA is essential for sustainable airport operations.