Finavia Pioneers Hydrogen Use in Aviation with EU-Funded Project

Joining Hydrogen Cluster Finland, Finavia embarks on a pioneering EU project at Helsinki Airport to pilot hydrogen in maintenance equipment, aiming to revolutionize sustainable aviation.

Finavia Steps Towards Hydrogen-Powered Future in Aviation

In a groundbreaking move, Finavia has joined forces with Hydrogen Cluster Finland as of January 2024, underlining its commitment to advancing sustainable air travel in Finland. As part of this initiative, Finavia is set to launch an EU-funded pilot project at Helsinki Airport, making it the first in Europe to test hydrogen as a motive power for airport maintenance equipment. This initiative positions Finavia at the forefront of sustainable aviation technology development.

Henri Hansson, Finavia’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Technology, Safety, and Security, emphasized the potential of hydrogen as a future energy source for both airport operations and aviation at large. This initiative is part of Finavia's broader strategy to prepare for the integration of hydrogen infrastructure to meet the needs of the aviation industry, including airlines and other airport-based companies.

The national hydrogen cluster aims to bolster Finland's hydrogen economy, connecting the country's airports and air traffic to a burgeoning hydrogen ecosystem. The shift towards renewable fuels, including hydrogen, is seen as a pivotal step in reducing aviation's carbon footprint. "As a Finnish airport operator, our goal is to lead in the adoption of innovative, sustainable technologies," Hansson stated.

The Helsinki Airport pilot is part of the Baltic Sea Region HyAirport project, an international collaboration aimed at exploring the use of hydrogen in aviation. With a substantial EU grant of EUR 4 million, the project will offer invaluable insights into the supply, storage, and distribution of hydrogen, shaping the future of airport operations.

Mikko Viinikainen, Finavia’s Senior Manager for Sustainability and Environment, highlighted the significance of the pilot, noting that the adaptation of heavy snow removal machines and other equipment to hydrogen power is a critical step towards reducing emissions. "This project is a crucial pilot for integrating hydrogen-fueled solutions into our operations," he added.

Despite the promising outlook, the transition to hydrogen and other low-emission technologies will be gradual, given the aviation industry's rigorous safety and development requirements. However, Finavia remains optimistic about hydrogen's role in achieving sustainable air travel.

Finavia's commitment to sustainability extends beyond this project. By 2025, the company aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its operations at 20 airports across Finland, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable aviation. This pioneering effort in hydrogen technology underscores the aviation industry's collective ambition towards a more sustainable future.