Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) to study the use of liquid hydrogen and power-to-liquid fuels in aviation. “[The MoU] reflects the two partners’ shared ambition to leverage their respective expertise to support the entry-into-service of a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions,” Airbus says in a statement today. The parties through their collaboration will look at the challenges of hydrogen regulations, supply, infrastructure and fuelling for aviation, starting from the production stage to delivery to airports and transfer on-board aircraft. Airbus will provide characteristics on fleet energy usage, scenarios for hydrogen demand in aviation, refuelling specifications and aviation regulatory framework. FFI will provide expertise on various supply chain elements, in the areas of cost outlook and technology drivers, and will build scenarios around infrastructure deployment for the supply of green hydrogen to targeted airports. “Partnerships and cross-sectoral approaches are a necessity to make zero emission aviation a reality,” states Glenn Llewellyn, Airbus VP Zero Emission Aircraft. “Airbus is preparing itself to put a zero-emission aircraft in service by 2035. But this will only be possible if we can ensure enough green hydrogen is produced worldwide and I’m thrilled to see FFI enthusiasm with regards to our ambition.” FFI is 100% owned by Fortescue Metals Group, one of the world's largest iron ore producer. “FFI is a developer, financier and operator investing in zero-emission resources to produce renewable energy at a scale equal to the oil and gas super majors,” the company says on its website.

Azerbaijan Airlines and its subsidiary Buta Airways have suspended all flight operations to Russian cities, starting 6 March. “Lack of full-fledged insurance for performance of international flights poses unnecessary risks for the citizens of our countries, airlines and other legal entities,” the airline says in a 5 March statement. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency has ordered the suspension of flights by Russian airlines to Azerbaijan for an indefinite period from 6 March due to the risks relating to performance of international flights, Azerbaijan Airlines states. The carrier adds: “The situation is also due to recent developments in the international aviation insurance and reinsurance market connected to the sanctions imposed on Russia. These changes have also affected the operations of the flag carrier of Azerbaijan.”

Russia’s S7 Airlines is cancelling all international flights from March, following imposition of Western sanctions against the country over the past week. A message on the carrier’s Telegram account states that “unfortunately” it has been “forced” to take the decision, although it does not mention the specific actions that are preventing it from operating on any of its international routes. As well as 93 destinations in Europe, including Russian domestic links, the carrier flies to 21 locations in Asia, plus the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, data shows. Although most European airspace is now closed to Russian carrier’s, Asia remains open. “Passengers of cancelled flights will receive notifications from the airline, our specialists will work with them at S7 Airlines representative offices,” states the carrier. “They will help tourists return home on flights of partner airlines. Also, passengers of cancelled international flights can apply for a full refund of the ticket price after receiving an SMS about the cancellation of the flight.” Through the first six months of last year, S7 was the most active carrier in Europe by number of passenger flights, as it was largely protected from pandemic impacts by Russia’s large domestic market. S7 operates a majority Airbus A320-family fleet, plus some Boeing and Embraer aircraft.