Infrastructure consultant and construction contractor AECOM will support U.K.-based Hybrid Air Vehicles as it builds its new hybrid aircraft, Airlander.  

AECOM will provide its services for cost and carbon benchmarking, master planning, sustainability development, construction program management and scheme delivery, including hydrogen supply infrastructure and transit interchange design advice.

AECOM will provide end-to-end infrastructure partner services for the operation of the aircraft, which HAV is promising 90% fewer emissions than other aircraft. The Airlander is expected to enter service in 2026 and will be developed further to run only on hydrogen using fuel cell technology by 2030.

The firms will also work with HAV customers to develop infrastructure to operate the Airlander, including on-site supply of hydrogen. Additionally, the firms will develop an Airlander 10 manufacturing facility.

The Airlander 10 (pictured) would carry about the same payload to a Chinook CH-47 helicopter and could land on undeveloped surfaces, according to the company. Some versions of the Airlander could carry up to 100 passengers, in theory.

The firms are expected to work on additional projects, including the development of a larger Airlander 50, in the future.