Airbus and Air New Zealand’s hydrogen partnership is entering the next stage with the inclusion of New Zealand’s key hydrogen ecosystem players. The ‘Hydrogen Consortium’ will seek to advance hydrogen-powered commercial flight and develop hubs at airports across the country, starting with Christchurch International Airport.

The next six months will see consortium partners develop a ‘hydrogen ecosystem’ for aviation in New Zealand – including proposed policies, regulations and incentives – and focus on research until the end of 2023. Following this, the second phase will explore whether hydrogen aircraft test flights can be held in New Zealand – the country’s flag carrier, Air New Zealand, is eager to replace its Bombardier Q300 fleet with low-emission planes and also plans to fly its first commercial demonstrator flight from 2026