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NEX Aero recently participated in ILA Berlin-Pioneering Aerospace, filled with insightful discussions and hands-on experiences that underscore the future of aviation.
In a panel discussion titled "Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Hydrogen-Electric Flight," NEX Aero's CTO and Co-Founder, Johannes Garbino-Anton, joined industry leaders Dr. Stefan Breunig (Head of Strategy at Rolls Royce), Roland Gerhards (CEO at ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research), Prof. Josef Kallo (CEO of H2FLY), and Kyle Martin (VP EU Affairs at General Aviation Manufacturers Association). Moderated by Sven Kopera from Roland Berger, the panel delved into the transformative potential of hydrogen-electric propulsion and the challenges that lie ahead.
A key takeaway was the urgency to invest in long-term hydrogen infrastructure development, moving beyond temporary solutions like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Dr. Josef Kallo, CEO of H2FLY, stressed the need to transition away from fossil fuels and their artificially low costs.
NEX Aero participated in a session showcasing Berlin's role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and technology, alongside Dr. Ing Sebastian Grau (Deputy Head Chair of Space Technology at TU Berlin), Harry Lehmann (PtX Lab Lausitz), and Dr. Johanna Sonnenburg (Center for Metropolitan Studies, TU Berlin). The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between research institutions, infrastructure developers, and industry players to successfully integrate new technologies like eVTOLs and hydrogen-powered aircraft into the aerospace landscape.
In an engaging fireside chat, Johannes together with Lutz Weisser, from Munich Airport, discussed the future of aviation infrastructure and the role of airports in supporting the emerging AAM ecosystem. They emphasized Berlin's potential as a showcase for AAM infrastructure, highlighting the benefits of a phased approach starting with peripheral developments and gradually integrating AAM into major transportation hubs like Südkreuz and Tegel.
· AZEA's Visionary Forecast: The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA) presented a forecast of over 23,000 electric and hydrogen aircraft deliveries to European operators by 2050, underscoring the growing momentum behind sustainable aviation and the potential for Regional Air Mobility to transform the industry. AZEA's work includes identifying barriers to zero-emission aircraft, promoting investment projects, and creating synergies among industry players to facilitate a smooth transition to sustainable aviation.
· F.A.S.T Group Collaboration: NEX Aero virtually tested and refined our NEX eVTOL aircraft through the F.A.S.T. mixed reality simulator, providing valuable data to advance our development. Collaboratively, we're establishing clear remote pilot training concepts and infrastructure for robust and efficient operations.
· Vasantha Kanesh INSPECTO Flying Display: Vasantha Kanesh Muruganantham, Flight Control & Avionics hardware system integration engineer at NEX and representing DroneMasters Academy, presented the concept of Future Drones for confined space inspection and provided a flying display. An insightful takeaway was the growing importance of precision flying and autonomous navigation in confined spaces, highlighting the need for advanced technologies to ensure safety and efficiency in challenging environments.
ILA Berlin reaffirmed the importance of hydrogen-electric flight as a transformative solution for decarbonizing aviation.
Key takeaways include:
· The need for bold action and long-term investment in hydrogen infrastructure at the European Union level, alongside the development of robust regulatory frameworks.
· The technical challenges in developing hydrogen-electric aircraft, particularly around hydrogen combustion management and infrastructure development, underscoring the need for continued research and collaboration.
The event served as a platform for NEX Aero and other industry players to showcase their commitment to sustainable aviation and actively collaborate on future solutions.
We look forward to continuing the conversation with the AAM community, driving progress, and contributing to a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for aviation. Perhaps at the next ILA, we will witness the first hydrogen-powered aircraft take flight!
NEX Aero, a Berlin-based startup, is developing long-range, hydrogen-powered eVTOLs to transform air mobility. NEX Aero is leading the way in hydrogen-electric aviation, addressing the limitations of battery-powered flight and offering a cleaner, more efficient way to travel.
