Beyond Aero, a company developing an electric business aircraft using hydrogen propulsion, and Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur have announced a partnership to prepare the operational conditions required to accommodate the first hydrogen-electric business aircraft at Nice Côte d’Azur, Cannes Mandelieu and Golfe de Saint-Tropez airports.
“The announcement marks a new stage in a collaboration that began nearly three years ago,” said Beyond Aero in a press release. “Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, Europe’s second-largest airport group for business aviation, is working with Beyond Aero to define a phased strategy for deploying hydrogen infrastructure in line with the expected ramp-up of operations from the early 2030s. Beyond Aero is developing One, a six- to eight-seat business aircraft designed around electric propulsion powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Entry into service is targeted for the early 2030s.”
Beyond Aero and Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur are assessing hydrogen supply, storage, distribution and refuelling scenarios, together with their technical, operational, regulatory and economic integration across the three airports.
The work includes defining required capacity, identifying suitable locations, developing the operating concept for refuelling and estimating the level of investment associated with different deployment scenarios.
Infrastructure readiness must advance at the same pace as aircraft development.
The preferred scenario at this stage is based on compressed gaseous hydrogen, said the company. This solution is consistent with Beyond Aero’s aircraft architecture and relies on technologies that are already available and suitable for industrial deployment. Hydrogen could be produced outside the airport perimeter, close to the airports, and transported by tube trailer to an on-airport dispensing station. Nearby production could also serve other local uses, pooling demand and supporting the development of a regional hydrogen ecosystem.
Two refuelling solutions are under assessment: a fixed dispenser located near a dedicated parking area for hydrogen aircraft; and a mobile refuelling vehicle operating between the dispensing station and the aircraft.
For more information
https://stories.prowly.com/469566-from-aircraft-to-airport-beyond-aero-and-aeroports-de-la-cote-dazur-prepare-for-hydrogen-operations?preview=true
(Image: Beyond Aero)