airBaltic has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fokker Next Gen for collaboration on the development of liquid hydrogen combustion powered commercial aircraft, to be produced both in the Netherlands and in Latvia.
On Tuesday (May 14, 2024), airBaltic announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fokker Next Gen N.V. that sets the stage for collaboration in the development of liquid hydrogen combustion powered commercial aircraft. Fokker Next Gen plans on producing aircraft both in the Netherlands and in Latvia. Under the agreement, airBaltic will contribute to the development of the aircraft, which could be deployed on the carrier’s routes in the future.
In Tuesday’s announcement, airBaltic’s President and CEO, Martin Gauss, said,
“airBaltic is glad to see such innovative developments being worked on in the Baltic region. We are a proud operator of one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Europe and are committed to the industry-wide decarbonization initiatives. However, we also do understand that the aviation industry needs a joint effort in new technology developments to achieve its long-term commitments.
“We are excited to sign this MoU and collaborate with Fokker Next Gen by sharing our insights and expertise in their work to develop a hydrogen-powered aircraft. We see this as an important step for the future of the aviation.”
Also commenting on the aircraft development collaboration, Fokker Next Gen’s CEO, Juriaan Kellermann, added,
“airBaltic’s engagement with hydrogen-powered aircraft is crucial. Our joint effort not only propels forward innovative aircraft design, informed by direct user feedback, but also boosts the Dutch and Latvian economies. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to pioneering the future of aviation.”
Fokker Next Gen is leveraging their expertise in aircraft design, certification and assembly to develop a liquid hydrogen fueled aircraft that aims to revolutionize the industry. The aircraft will be designed with a dual fuel system so that it will be capable of flying on conventional jet fuel or SAF when liquid hydrogen is not available.
Established in 1995, Air Baltic Corporation SA (airBaltic) is a joint stock company with most of the equity (97.97%) held by the Latvian state and the remaining 2.03% held by other shareholders. One of the most punctual carriers in the world, the airline connects the Baltic region with over 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere to more than 70 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Caucasus region with a fleet of 47 Airbus A220-300s. airBaltic also operates seasonally from Gran Canaria. The airline Group also includes Air Baltic Training SIA, Loyalty Services SIA, Baltijas Kravu Centrs SIA and Crew Resources AS. airBaltic currently employs over 2,500 team members.
Source(s): airBaltic, Fokker Next Gen