Decarbonizing Aviation Ground Operations 2025

Importantly, mechanisms such as long-term offtake agreements and targeted subsidies can help manage the high initial costs and financial risks associated with early-stage hydrogen infrastructure. In addition, the availability of renewable energy – especially a balanced mix of wind and solar – can significantly lower hydrogen supply costs and reduce the need for oversized infrastructure. For airports in less favourable locations, combining on-site hydrogen production with imports via vessels or pipelines can further optimize costs and improve resilience.As hydrogen aircraft are introduced, the interplay between offsite hydrogen production for buses and onsite production for aviation could drive new value chain concepts, particularly as logistical and handling challenges for liquid hydrogen become more pronounced. In summary, airports aiming to become regional hydrogen hubs must adopt a holistic, future-oriented approach – aligning investments in hydrogen and electricity infrastructure, anticipating the needs of both ground and air transport,19 and building in flexibility to adapt as technology and regulation evolve. This multistakeholder, systems-level perspective will be critical to achieving deep decarbonization and long- term operational resilience. Decarbonizing Aviation Ground Operations: Alternative Bus Technologies 24