UK’s first hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround takes place at Exeter Airport

A pioneering demonstration showcasing how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of airport ground operations has taken place at Exeter Airport – marking an important step towards achieving the first ‘zero-carbon turn’ of a commercial aircraft.

In a first of its kind for the UK, the trial, delivered by a partnership of Exeter Airport, TUI, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG and Boeing and supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme, saw a TUI Boeing 737 passenger aircraft undergo a turnaround using ground support equipment powered by green hydrogen.

The live demonstration involved a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, pushback tug and ground power unit. It is the first time in the UK – and possibly the world – that multiple pieces of hydrogen-powered equipment have been used simultaneously for a commercial air transport operational aircraft and using ‘green’ hydrogen from renewable energy sources.

Refuelling of the equipment was conducted using a HyQube 350 refueller, supplied by Fuel Cell Systems Ltd, using green hydrogen, produced and supplied by Protium.

Contributing to an academic study led by Cranfield University, the learnings from the trial are expected to help shape the future safety and regulatory framework for the airside handling of hydrogen, paving the way for hydrogen-fuelled aircraft in the years to come.

The trial forms part of the CAA’s wider Hydrogen Challenge, funded through the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, which is overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The fund has most recently supported a diverse range of projects aimed at enabling UK regulators and local authorities to help create a UK regulatory environment that encourages business innovation and investment.

The Hydrogen Challenge initiative supports the Government’s Jet Zero ambitions by enabling safe, early adoption of low- and zero-emission aviation technology and infrastructure. The programme brings together regulators, academia and industry to address the regulatory, safety and operational challenges of introducing hydrogen into aviation.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Fresh thinking and new regulatory approaches will give confidence to investors, researchers and consumers alike. We want to encourage businesses to choose the UK as the best destination to develop their new ideas and bring great technologies to market. 

“Our funding for these 15 pioneering projects will give UK regulators and local authorities the support they need to accelerate innovation and turn it into success in every corner of the country.”

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport which is owned and operated by Regional and City Airports, said: “We’re proud to have hosted this important trial, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation. 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.”