Airbus, SAS agree to study hybrid and electric technology

SAS has signed a research agreement with Airbus to study hybrid and electric aircraft technology. The memorandum of agreement covers joint research into the operational and infrastructure challenges involved with the large-scale introduction of hybrid and all-electric aircraft. The program, which is set to run from June to the end of 2020, will cover 5 work packages focusing on the impact of ground infrastructure and electrical charging on range, resources, time and availability at airports. Airbus said the focus on reducing emissions is now fundamental to its plan to support sustainable, carbon-neutral growth in aviation. Current airliners are approximately 80% more fuel efficient than they were 50 years ago. However, the forecast growth in air travel over the next 20 years would increase environmental impact. <br/>