Global Hydrogen Aircraft Market by Power Source (Hydrogen Combustion, Hydrogen Fuel Cell), By Technology (Fully Hydrogen Powered Aircraft, Hybrid Electric Aircraft), and By Region and Key Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2021–2031

A hydrogen aircraft is a plane that primarily runs on hydrogen fuel as its source of propulsion, and in certain instances, cryogenic liquid hydrogen as well. Hydrogen may either be burnt in a jet engine or another type of internal combustion engine, or it can be utilized to power a propeller with the help of a fuel cell.

Unlike most conventional aircraft that stores fuel in its wings, hydrogen aircraft are usually designed with hydrogen fuel tanks that are housed inside the fuselage. Liquid hydrogen is one of the best coolants used for various engineering applications, and it has been proposed that this fuel source may be used to cool intake air in high-speed aircraft or even as part of an aircraft’s exterior body, especially in scramjet-powered aircraft.

Liquid hydrogen has about four times the volume as that of a kerosene-based jet-fuel, as well as the fact that hydrogen has the potential to generate 3 times the energy when compared to traditional jet fuel, however, it does possess a lower energy density. Generally, carbon fiber tanks are used in these types of aircraft and can sustain a pressure of 700 bar.

Key Market Segmentation:

Power Source:

• Hydrogen Combustion
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Technology

• Fully Hydrogen Powered Aircraft
• Hybrid Electric Aircraft

Region:

• North America
• Europe
• APAC
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Drivers for the Global Hydrogen Aircraft Market

The aviation industry has a significant contribution towards the global carbon emission footprint, accounting for approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Since COVID-19 caused a major drop in air traffic, industry stakeholders have been working to decarbonize the aviation sector. This is a source of concern for European Union (EU) countries, notably Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. The governments of these countries have developed their own National Hydrogen Strategies, with an emphasis on transportation and aviation decarbonization.

Restraints for the Global Hydrogen Aircraft Market

• Methane reforming is the most common method for producing hydrogen. It is extracted from natural gas, and as such, contributes to overall carbon emission levels. The best proposed alternative to this method is electrolysis. Using this approach, hydrogen id generated from H2O (water) through the process of electrolysis. This process is quite expensive as it includes high expenditures on various energy requirements.
• Hydrogen occupies a large volume of area, and hence cannot be stored in the wings of airplanes, as is the case with jet fuel. As a result, a fuel tank must be installed in and around the aircraft fuselage. This is expected to increase the size of the aircraft thereby hampering efficiency levels of a given aircraft.
• As liquid hydrogen fuel must be maintained at an extremely low temperature of -2530C, cryogenic tanks which are costlier than jet fuel tanks are required.
• Hydrogen fuel cells are very bulky and as with electric cells, they add a significant amount of deadweight that must be carried by a plane.

Opportunities for the Global Hydrogen Aircraft Market

• Europe is among the fastest-growing regions for the hydrogen aircraft market. Major countries considered in this region are the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. The UK is projected to become a frontrunner in the European hydrogen aircraft market.

Trends for the Global Hydrogen Aircraft Market

• The increasing adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in hydrogen aircraft market can be attributed to its simplicity, as well as being capable of being backed-up by system of batteries.
• Since the 1950s, various technological advances in propulsion and airframe design have accounted for most of the improvements in fuel conservation as well as a reduction in carbon emissions.

Competitive Landscape:

• Airbus SE
• AeroVironment Inc.
• GKN Aerospace
• AeroDelft
• Urban Aeronautics Ltd.
• HyPoint Inc.
• HES Energy Systems
• Honeywell International Inc.
• ZeroAvia Inc.

Recent Developments Among Key Market Players:

1. AeroDelft unveiled the latest prototype for the unmanned Phoenix PT aircraft that is expected to be powered by liquid hydrogen. The aircraft is expected to have a maximum range of 500 kilometers and can even maintain a flight path for seven hours.
2. In January 2021, Urban Aeronautics Ltd. announced reaching an agreement to provide four CityHawk VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft to Hatzolah Air for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) applications. The company also announced that Hatzolah Air will become Urban Aeronautics’ official sales representative and distribution channel to other EMS and rescue organizations worldwide.

For the Hydrogen Aircraft Market research study, the following years have been considered to estimate the market size: