© Schiphol

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has introduced hydrogen-powered vehicles into daily ground operations as part of a pilot program running until October 2025, becoming the first major international hub to do so.

Context: hydrogen’s role in aviation sustainability

The initiative is tied to Royal Schiphol Group’s target of achieving emission-free ground operations by 2030 and reflects a wider industry push to cut indirect carbon emissions across aviation supply chains. Hydrogen is being tested as a complement to battery-electric equipment, offering fast refuelling and consistent range, particularly for vehicles that must remain on standby such as emergency services.

Details of the pilot programme

The trial involves two vehicles: a specially developed tow tractor, which will move KLM Boeing 737 aircraft between stands, hangars and taxiways several times a day, and a Toyota prototype pick-up truck used by the airport’s Bird Control team. A temporary refuelling station has been installed on-site to support the programme. Schiphol previously conducted a successful trial of a hydrogen-powered ground power unit, which provides parked aircraft with electricity.

Stakeholder perspectives and collaboration

Royal Schiphol Group said the pilot will evaluate usability, refuelling times, reliability and integration with airport systems. Esmé Valk, the company’s chief people and transformation officer, said hydrogen is “a promising addition to battery-electric driving,” adding that the tests aim to improve both climate outcomes and air quality for employees and nearby communities.

The project forms part of the EU-backed TULIPS programme, which promotes sustainable innovation in aviation. Schiphol is working with airlines, ground handlers, equipment manufacturers and research institutes, including KLM, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Torino Airport, Hermes Airports, Port of Amsterdam, TNO, SINTEF, TLD, Zepp.solutions, HyCC, Air Products and Ballard.

Implications for the aviation sector

If successful, the pilot could provide a template for hydrogen deployment at other European airports, with implications for infrastructure investment, fleet strategies and emissions reporting. For policymakers, the project offers an early test of hydrogen’s role in reducing aviation’s Scope 3 emissions, an area under increasing regulatory and investor scrutiny.