easyJet says that it will support the development of GKN’s Hydrogen Combustion (H2JET) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell (H2GEAR) technology, including flight demonstration.
H2GEAR is a UK project which aims to develop a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for sub-regional aircraft that could be scaled up to larger aircraft. In the system, liquid hydrogen is converted to electricity within a fuel cell system.
"Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a clear route to keep the world connected, with dramatically cleaner skies," said Max Brown, VP at GKN Aerospace. "The UK is at the forefront of this technology."
easyJet is reportedly also working with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Wright Electric to improve zero carbon emission technologies and supporting infrastructure. Plans are to begin planes powered by hydrogen-combustion, hydrogen-electric or a hybrid of both by the mid to late-2030s.
