"Test Fox" (Photo: Austrian Airlines AG).
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Testfuchs: Austrian Airlines tests hydrogen energy

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To meet the challenges of climate change, Austrian Airlines relies on innovative technologies and continuous improvements in its operations.

The focus is particularly on reducing CO₂ emissions, which are to be further optimized through the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source to support maintenance work at Vienna Airport. As part of a pilot project, the hydrogen generator "H2Genset" from the company Testfuchs is being tested for the first time. This initiative is a promising step towards a more environmentally friendly aviation industry.

pilot project for the use of hydrogen

Austrian Airlines has set itself the goal of significantly reducing its environmental impact. The newly developed hydrogen generator, which was created in a development process lasting several months, is to be used for the first time in practice at Vienna Airport. The emission-free power supply of an Airbus A320 demonstrates how hydrogen can act as an energy supplier. The frequency converter from Dynell enables a highly efficient energy supply, allowing technicians to carry out maintenance work on the aircraft without having to resort to fossil fuels.

This project has several goals: In addition to the immediate reduction of emissions, it also promotes the development of skills and familiarization with the necessary infrastructure. A successful outcome could set the course for the future use of hydrogen for mobile energy supply at the airport. This would not only improve Austrian Airlines' CO₂ balance, but would also make a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint of the entire aviation industry.

Sustainability as a Corporate Strategy

Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, which is committed to achieving a neutral CO₂ balance by 2050. To achieve this goal, various strategies are being pursued, including accelerated fleet modernization and the continuous optimization of flight operations.

The use of sustainable aviation fuels is also a key part of this strategy. The Lufthansa Group plans to halve its net CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared to 2019, which shows that the Group is not only focusing on short-term solutions but is also taking long-term measures to combat climate change.

Hydrogen: A beacon of hope for aviation?

The use of hydrogen in aviation is not new, but it is increasingly seen as one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has the potential to fundamentally change the entire industry by providing a clean energy source that can be used both in aviation and on the ground. According to a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), hydrogen could reduce up to 2050% of CO₂ emissions in the aviation industry by 50.

Despite these promising prospects, the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies faces challenges, including the need to develop appropriate infrastructure and create economic incentives for airlines that want to switch to hydrogen. Nevertheless, Austrian Airlines' pilot project shows that the industry is willing to explore new ways to minimize environmental impact while remaining economically viable.

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