Canadian airports, specifically Montreal-Trudeau International, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver International, have partnered with Airbus and ZeroAvia to establish hydrogen hubs for airport operations.
ZeroAvia, a pioneering company in hydrogen-powered aviation, is making strides in developing a powertrain for 10-20 seat aircraft, with market entry expected within the next couple of years. The company is also working to establish a hydrogen fuel ecosystem at airports, a first of its kind in Canada.
ZeroAvia's efforts are part of a global Research & Technology network, where technology bricks for hydrogen-powered aircraft are being developed. The company is also progressing with the development of hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft, including the ZA600 for up to 20-seat planes and the upcoming ZA2000 for up to 80-seat planes.
Airbus, a global aviation giant, is also actively involved in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. The company is developing hydrogen technologies broadly through initiatives such as the Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) in the UK and a global “Hydrogen Hubs at Airports” program involving over 220 airports worldwide. However, there are no specific updates naming Canadian airports in those initiatives as of August 2025.
Despite the lack of detailed information about hydrogen infrastructure projects at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, or Vancouver International Airport, three of Canada's busiest airports have signed MoUs with Airbus and ZeroAvia to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Canada.
Toronto Pearson is constructing a new hydrogen filling station as part of its efforts to adopt clean energy solutions. The collaboration between Airbus, ZeroAvia, and the three largest airports in Canada is an important step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions, according to Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport.
The partners aim to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The cooperation will provide a better understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts and operations, supply, infrastructure, and refueling needs at airports.
The work will also collaborate to support the development of regulations and standards for hydrogen aviation. Airbus has launched the "Hydrogen Hub at Airports" programme to research infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations. ZeroAvia is also developing a second engine for 40-80 seat aircraft.
Canada has great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric power. As a key driver for global framework development, Montreal, the home city of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is expected to play a significant role in this emerging field.
Airbus has been present in Canada for 40 years, with over 4,500 people working at its ten sites and offices, and sourcing around C$2 billion annually from Canadian companies. The company's development of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft is ambitioned to be brought to market by 2035.
In conclusion, while there is no confirmed or detailed update on hydrogen infrastructure projects at Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, or Vancouver International Airports linked to Airbus and ZeroAvia as of now, the development of hydrogen aviation infrastructure remains an emerging area with ongoing research, pilot projects, and broader partnerships rather than fully implemented programs at those specific airports.
Technology advancements in hydrogen-powered aircraft are ongoing, with ZeroAvia developing hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft, such as the ZA600 for up to 20-seat planes and the upcoming ZA2000 for up to 80-seat planes. Additionally, Airbus, a global aviation leader, is actively working on hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, including the development of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, aiming to bring them to market by 2035.
