A DEMONSTRATION of how hydrogen-powered ground crew vehicles can be used to prepare commercial airliners for their next flights has taken place at Exeter Airport.
The turnaround trial, the first of its kind in the UK, saw a TUI Boeing 737 passenger aircraft undergo a turnaround using ground support equipment including a baggage tug, pushback tug and ground power unit powered by green hydrogen on Tuesday, April 29.
“We’re proud to have hosted this important trial, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” Exeter Airport Managing Director Stephen Wiltshire said.
“The demonstration shows how hydrogen can be integrated into day-to-day airport operations, with lessons we can share across our airport group and the wider sector.
“Regional airports are most likely to be those handling the first generation of smaller hydrogen aircraft, so it makes sense that they should be the focus of any test-bed activities.”
UK Civil Aviation Authority Group Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation Giancarlo Buono added: “This demonstration brings the UK a step closer to realising hydrogen as a safe and viable energy source for aviation.
“It showcases the potential of decarbonising ground operations today, while helping shape the regulatory frameworks needed for tomorrow.”
Findings from the trial will contribute to an academic study led by Cranfield University and are expected to help shape the future safety and regulatory framework for the airside handling of hydrogen.
Cranfield University Head of Centre for Air Transport Management Professor Anna Smallwood said: “This project is an important milestone in understanding how hydrogen can be safely and effectively deployed at airports.
“Cranfield is proud to play a key role within this collaboration – providing expertise in emissions analysis, systems integration, refuelling technologies, risk management and operational analysis.
“The insights gained here will directly inform future standards, procedures and innovation as we work toward net-zero aviation.”