Delta Joins ATL, Airbus, and Plug Power to Study Hydrogen Fuel

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Airbus, Delta Air Lines and Plug Power have joined forces to assess the feasibility of hydrogen fueling at the world’s busiest airport in support of advancing a more sustainable future for travel.  

The study will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a potential fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL. It will also contribute to the understanding of supply and infrastructure requirements for hydrogen hubs at airports worldwide.  

The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft models could ultimately eliminate aircraft carbon dioxide emissions in the air while also decarbonizing air transport activities on the ground – a top priority for all of the partners as they work toward the decarbonization of the aviation industry. 

While the Atlanta-based study preliminarily launched earlier this year, it is one of three that Airbus announced with partners May 21. The study in Atlanta is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026. 

As part of the study, ATL is providing the current airport layout plan and organization and will share updates on future developments and findings. 

Airbus launched the Hydrogen Hub at Airports program to jumpstart research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations across the entire value chain. To date, agreements have been signed with partners and airports in thirteen countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  

Delta is the largest airline operating at the world’s busiest airport, and offers one of the largest commercial airline schedules globally. It has been a core partner in the Airbus ZEROe program since 2022, when it signed on to provide expertise to identify fleet and network expectations, and the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel.

Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia Deluca said this study is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment and that no one company can solve the industry’s sustainability challenges alone. 

Plug Power is a leading provider of equipment and end-to-end, turnkey solutions for the global green hydrogen economy. The company is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem including the manufacture of electrolyzers, fuel cells and hydrogen facilities across the United States to decarbonize a variety of industrial, transportation and energy needs and applications worldwide.