Fokker Next Gen and airBaltic are working on a hydrogen-powered aircraft

Fokker Next Gen is developing a clean sheet 120-150 seat narrowbody aircraft, powered by liquid hydrogen combustion, with a range of up to 2,500 km. Entry into service is planned for 2035. airBaltic is committed to contributing to innovation developments in the aviation industry and the economic strength of the Baltic region. airBaltic is interested in evaluating the potential of hydrogen powered aircraft opportunities with Fokker Next Gen. Through the signed MoU, the collaboration between airBaltic and Fokker Next Gen will include the incorporation of end user feedback into the design and development of the Fokker Next Gen liquid hydrogen combustion powered aircraft.

Fokker Next Gen, a pioneering liquid hydrogen powered commercial aircraft manufacturer that plans to produce aircraft both in the Netherlands and in Latvia, and Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic), Latvia’s national airline, are pleased to announce this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the stage for a collaborative future in aviation. This memorandum will leverage the insights of airBaltic to contribute to the development of the Fokker Next Gen liquid hydrogen combustion powered commercial aircraft. From airBaltic’s perspective, this is an opportunity to investigate hydrogen aircraft fit for the airline’s routes.

“ 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 in order to achieve its long-term commitments.” — Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic:

“We are glad 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,” Gauss added.

Fokker Next Gen, with its expertise in aircraft design, certification, and assembly, is developing a liquid hydrogen fueled aircraft that aims to revolutionize the industry. The aircraft will be designed with a dual fuel tank system so that it can also fly on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or kerosene when liquid hydrogen is not available.

airBaltic is committed to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the aviation industry and EU commitments. To reach that in the long run, airBaltic is dedicated to continue advancing operational excellence, exploring innovative solutions – for example, through cooperations such as this – and implementing industry-wide practices.

“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.” — Juriaan Kellermann, CEO of Fokker Next Gen