In a joint effort between the public and private sector, Japan has just announced a multi-billion dollar plan to develop a “Made in Japan” aircraft powered by next generation technology. By 2035, the Japanese government hopes to be able to take to the skies with the new plane.
It’s not the first time Japanese companies have had the plan to reboot the country’s aviation industry. In 2007, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the SpaceJet-programme, but it was ultimately scrapped due to funding issues for the development of a 90-seater fossil-fuel powered jet. Now, Japan is looking once again to establish itself as a leader in passenger aircraft production, more precisely by developing a sustainable in-house jet.
Nothing concrete has been decided yet, but possibilities include hybrid electrics, hydrogen combustion, hydrogen fuel cell.
Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
However, it seems like Japan is mainly looking towards a hydrogen-powered engine. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the idea to “build next-generation aircraft based on technologies where Japan is competitive, while also contributing to the decarbonisation of air transport” stands at the centre of the new plan.
“In the new business fields of carbon-neutral technologies, including hydrogen, we aim to take a leading position. For the Japanese aircraft industry to achieve sustainable growth, we cannot stay satisfied with our position as a parts supplier”, Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, Kazuchika Iwata, said during a press conference.
On an international scale, multiple companies are currently looking to develop a hydrogen-fuelled aircraft. ZeroAvia, Universal Hydrogen, RollsRoyce and Airbus are just a few of those who are in the market for such an engine. An important step forward for the travel industry.