Spearhead companies to test regulations and promote hydrogen aviation fuel

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has chosen three pioneering companies to spearhead the development and testing of regulations surrounding hydrogen aviation fuel.

The three companies, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Exeter Airport Consortium, and ZeroAvia will lead the charge in exploring the feasibility and applications of hydrogen fuel in aviation. Airport Technology reports that the initiative, backed by £1 million, aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel and its associated technologies in the aviation sector.

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is at the forefront of developing hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains for aircraft, while the Exeter Airport Consortium focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of aircraft turnarounds.

ZeroAvia, known for retrofitting planes with hydrogen engines, is actively testing its prototype fitted to a Dornier 228 under a UK CAA Permit to Fly. According to Airport Technology, the collaboration between these companies and the UK CAA signifies a crucial step towards achieving a net-zero aviation sector by fostering innovation and regulatory alignment in the hydrogen aviation field.