Manufacturers believe their own ability to respond to any production increase will generally require capital expenditure, according to consultants McKinsey.
The partnership is aimed at exploring the financing and commercialization of hydrogen-powered aircraft as part of Airbus’ ZEROe concept aircraft project.
The consortium includes sustainable aviation financier Clear Sky and detailed plans to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) developer Firefly Green Fuels.
Speaking with ATW at the Farnborough Airshow, CEO Campbell Wilson described the four airline integration as “probably unprecedented” in the aviation industry.
The Gulf carrier believes it will receive most of its outstanding orders for Boeing 787-9s and 737 MAX-8s this year but remains uncertain of the exact number.
The purchase agreement, finalized at Farnborough on Tuesday, will add more than 30 new Airbus aircraft to JAL's fleet, with some replacing older Boeing 767s.