2025 H2-Aero Symposium
The 4th Annual H2-Aero Symposium represents a pivotal gathering for stakeholders committed to overcoming barriers to hydrogen adoption in aviation. With aviation accounting for 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, hydrogen fuel cells offer a pathway to zero-emission flights, particularly for energy-intensive applications like eVTOL and regional air mobility.
This year’s theme, “Paving the H2 Runway,” emphasizes infrastructure development, reflecting the H2-Aero Team’s whitepaper on multimodal hydrogen hubs integrating ground and air transport. Sessions will address technical challenges such as lightweight fuel cell design, cryogenic hydrogen storage, and safety certification. At the same time, panels will discuss policy incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits for clean hydrogen production.
Event Dates
The symposium will occur over two days: April 2–3, 2025, preceded by a meeting of SAE International’s AE-5CH Hydrogen Airport Taskgroup on April 1, 20251. This task group, open to SAE and VFS members at no additional cost, will draft standards for hydrogen refueling protocols and airport compatibility, ensuring alignment with international regulations from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA.
Venue Details
The Hilton Long Beach at 701 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California, will serve as the primary venue. This waterfront hotel offers 15,000 square feet of event space, including ballrooms configured for keynote presentations and breakout sessions. Attendees booking through the official symposium link receive a discounted rate of $199 per night, including parking, WiFi, and refundable reservations until March 5, 20251. Long Beach’s strategic location near the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles aerospace clusters facilitates networking with industry leaders and参观 hydrogen demonstration projects
- Keynote Speakers
- Dr. Martine Rothblatt, CEO, United Therapeutics
Dr. Rothblatt, a pioneer in satellite communications and biotechnology, will discuss hydrogen’s role in medical logistics, particularly for organ transplant delivery via eVTOL aircraft. United Therapeutics, a platinum sponsor, aims to achieve carbon-neutral organ transport by 2030 using hydrogen fuel cells. - Val Miftakhov, CEO, ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional aircraft, will share progress on their ZA2000 engine, targeting 2,000 kW of power for 80-seat turboprops by 2026. Miftakhov’s address will cover hydrogen certification milestones and partnerships with major airlines. - Dr. Catalin Fotache, FAA Chief Scientist
Dr. Fotache will outline FAA’s hydrogen safety roadmap, including updates to AC 20-168A for fuel cell installations and collaboration with EASA on harmonizing cryogenic fuel standards. - Dr. Victoria Coleman, Airbus A³ CEO
Coleman will unveil Airbus’s ZEROe regional aircraft concept, emphasizing hybrid-hydrogen turbofan technology and plans for a hydrogen-powered A320neo variant by 2035. - Prof. Josef Kallo, CTO, H2FLY
A veteran of the HY4 fuel cell aircraft program, Prof. Kallo will present flight test data from H2FLY’s Stuttgart-based demonstrator, which achieves a 1,500 km range with liquid hydrogen storage. - Symposium Agenda
April 2, 2025
Morning Session (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM):
Registration opens at 7:30 AM, followed by a welcome address from H2-Aero Chair Jesse Schneider at 8:30 AM. Dr. Martine Rothblatt’s keynote at 9:00 AM will explore hydrogen’s potential for medical eVTOL fleets, drawing parallels to United Therapeutics’ lung transplant drone trials. A panel at 10:30 AM, moderated by ZeroAvia’s Val Miftakhov, will debate hydrogen production pathways, comparing green electrolysis with nuclear-powered thermal processes.
Afternoon Session (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM):
Technical presentations begin with Airbus’s Dr. Coleman discussing cryo-compressed hydrogen tanks for narrowbody aircraft at 1:30 PM. Concurrent workshops will address airport hydrogen storage (led by NEOM’s Arnab Chatterjee) and fuel cell durability in high-vibration environments (by Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories). The day concludes with a networking reception featuring exhibitors like Piasecki Aircraft, showcasing their PA-890 hydrogen-hybrid quadrotor.
April 3, 2025
Morning Session (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM):
FAA Chief Scientist Dr. Fotache opens with a regulatory update at 8:30 AM, followed by H2FLY’s Prof. Kallo presenting altitude testing results at 9:15 AM. A 10:30 AM panel with EASA’s Dr. Brussaard and UK CAA’s Helen Leadbetter will compare EU and UK hydrogen aviation policies.
Afternoon Session (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM):
Hydroplane CEO Dr. Anita Sengupta leads a workshop on hydrogen liquefaction systems at 1:30 PM, while Aurora Flight Sciences discusses hydrogen-composite material compatibility1. The symposium closes with a forward-looking keynote from ZEV Station’s Jesse Schneider, outlining a 2030 vision for 200+ hydrogen airports globally.
Registration and Participation
Fees and Inclusions
In-person attendance costs $650 for VFS members and $850 for non-members, covering access to all sessions, lunches, coffee breaks, and presentation materials1. Virtual participation is available at $250 (members) or $350 (non-members), though the organizers note that networking opportunities will be limited. Speakers receive discounted rates of $250–$350, contingent on abstract acceptance.
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
Since its 2022 inception, the H2-Aero Symposium has driven North America’s hydrogen aviation roadmap, contrasting with Europe’s Clean Aviation Initiative1. The 2023 symposium catalyzed the “Multimodal H2-Airport Hub” whitepaper, advocating phased infrastructure deployment starting with ground support vehicles1. With the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act extending tax credits for clean hydrogen through 2032, this year’s event focuses on translating policy into scalable projects, such as NEOM’s $8.4 billion hydrogen hub in Saudi Arabia1.
Conclusion
The 4th Annual H2-Aero Symposium offers a critical platform for aligning aerospace innovation with climate imperatives. By convening regulators, manufacturers, and infrastructure providers, VFS accelerates the transition to hydrogen aviation, reducing reliance on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that incur higher water and energy costs1. Immediate next steps include finalizing ASTM hydrogen purity standards and expanding pilot projects at regional airports like Long Beach and Charlotte
Event Information
| Event Date | 04-02-2025 |
| Event End Date | 04-03-2025 |
| Event Website | https://vtol.org/h2symposium |
| Location | Hilton Long Beach |
Venue Information - Hilton Long Beach
The Hilton Long Beach is a cornerstone of event hosting in Southern California, offering a blend of sophisticated spaces, extensive amenities, and strategic downtown accessibility. With over 32,000 square feet of flexible event space, this venue caters to diverse needs ranging from corporate conferences to grand wedding receptions. Its proximity to major attractions like the Long Beach Convention Center and the Queen Mary, combined with award-winning service, positions it as a top choice for event planners. Below, we detail the Hilton Long Beach’s facilities, services, accommodations, and guest experiences.
Architectural and Spatial Features
Event Spaces and Capacity
The Hilton Long Beach’s event portfolio is anchored by its International Ballroom, a 9,730-square-foot space capable of accommodating 1,400 guests for cocktail receptions or 600 seated dinners. This modern hall features customizable LED lighting, high ceilings, and advanced audiovisual systems, making it ideal for high-energy receptions or formal galas. Secondary spaces like the 6,480-square-foot Pacific Ballroom and 14 smaller conference rooms provide versatile configurations for mid-sized gatherings. Outdoor events are facilitated by a 1,600-square-foot plaza with panoramic city views, often used for ceremonies or cocktail hours.
The venue’s adaptability extends to corporate needs, with 31,142 square feet of meeting space divided into 14 rooms. The largest conference room seats 300 theater-style, while breakout rooms accommodate 10–50 attendees. High-speed internet (60 Mbps) and on-site AV technicians support the venue's adaptability.
Design and Ambiance
Recent renovations have infused the Hilton’s interiors with contemporary elegance, emphasizing neutral tones, sleek furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows in public areas. The International Ballroom’s modular design allows for thematic customization, from floral installations to cultural décor. Outdoor spaces leverage Southern California’s climate, with lush landscaping and ambient lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere for evening events.
Services and Amenities
Event Planning and Execution
The Hilton’s dedicated events team, including Senior Catering Manager Li-Ling Li, provides end-to-end support, from menu curation to timeline coordination. Clients highlight the staff’s responsiveness to cultural requirements, such as Chinese tea ceremonies or multi-course banquets.
Guest Accommodations
The Hilton ensures comfort for overnight attendees with 399 guest rooms, including five suites. Suite perks include private balconies, complimentary health club access, and panoramic ocean views. However, some clients report challenges with room block management, particularly regarding double-queen availability. Negotiating specific room types in advance is advised to prevent allocation issues.