AeroDelft and KLM Partner to Explore Hydrogen in Aviation
AeroDelft, a student team from Delft University of Technology, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have announced a partnership to explore hydrogen in aviation. The partnership will support AeroDelft’s Project Phoenix, focused on researching and developing new technologies that can reduce the aviation industry's environmental impact.
The partnership will focus on AeroDelft's hydrogen-powered aircraft project, which aims to design and build zero-emission aircraft that can fly using liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Both parties come together on the fact that not flying is not a likely option, and aim to work together to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable aviation industry.
KLM wants to play a leading role in aviation innovation and is actively seeking opportunities to accelerate these developments. The brainpower and solutions of the younger generation are needed for us to think out of the box. AeroDelft's enthusiasm and hard work help tremendously with this."
Barry ter Voert, CXO & EVP Business Development
AeroDelft’s purpose has always been to accelerate industry change. KLM’s support and confidence in our project brings us one step closer to making AeroDelft’s goal of sustainable aviation a reality.
Joseph Michaels, Chief of External Relations at AeroDelft
This partnership represents the first time that AeroDelft has directly partnered with an airline, further advancing its mission of proving and promoting liquid hydrogen as an alternative to conventional fuels in aviation. As a major player in the industry, KLM's support for the AeroDelft team sends a message that sustainability is a priority, and innovative solutions must be explored to make air travel more environmentally friendly.
About AeroDelft:
AeroDelft is a student team at Delft University of Technology that aims to design and build a zero-emission aircraft that can fly using liquid hydrogen. The team is composed of more than 50 students from various disciplines, including aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
Two aircraft are currently under development by the volunteer based team, a prototype drone, and a full scaled manned aircraft, both under the project name Phoenix. Their unmanned drone has already flown electrically and has planned hydrogen flights over the coming year. Meanwhile, the team aims to fly their manned aircraft in 2024 using gaseous hydrogen, and later with liquid hydrogen in 2025.
About KLM:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. KLM operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft and flies to over 150 destinations worldwide.
Contact for Media and Enquiries:
Joseph Michaels, Chief of External Relations
joseph.michaels@aerodelft.nl
+447904568141