The UK Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that Exeter Airport has been chosen to take part in the second round of its groundbreaking H₂ challenge.

The H₂ challenge is designed to prepare the UK’s aerospace industry for the adoption of H₂ as a zero-carbon aviation fuel, with some of the UK’s leading companies collaborating on critical advancements in technology and infrastructure. It covers H₂ propulsion testing, airport infrastructure development and innovating aircraft systems.

Exeter Airport and its parent company Regional and City Airports (RCA), have been working alongside Cranfield University and global travel company TUI to investigate the use of H₂-powered ground handling equipment as part of the first round of the H₂ challenge launched last year.

This spring will see the airport trial the use of a H₂ powered aircraft tug and H₂-powered ground power unit, which generates electricity for aircraft on the ground. The aim is to investigate how ground operations can be decarbonized in the drive towards net-zero.

Under the second round of the H₂ challenge, Exeter Airport will continue its work with Cranfield and TUI on bridging knowledge gaps around the successful scaling of H₂ operations at airports.

This will include the storage and handling of H₂ under different conditions, and concepts for producing H₂ at or close to airports for use in both airport and non-airport-related applications.

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said, “We are incredibly proud that Exeter Airport and RCA have been chosen for the next stage of the H₂ Challenge. This trial underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability in aviation. Working alongside Cranfield University and TUI, we will gain vital insights into how H₂ can be effectively integrated into airport operations and help pave the way for a greener future in aviation.”

Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy and Policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in H₂ propulsion. We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector. In doing so, it offers the potential to enable a more sustainable aerospace system and support UK economic growth.”

The next stage of the H₂ challenge, which has been extended for three years, will see the development of:

• New designs of cutting-edge aircraft that use H₂ fuel cell power systems and remotely piloted systems to drive down carbon emissions.
• Changes to airport infrastructure that could be rolled out nationwide in future, paving the way for H₂ including safe storage and refueling.
• New scientific research by some of Britain’s leading aeronautical institutes that will expand our understanding of this new fuel.
• Flight trials, safety assessments, and demos to refine performance, address regulatory challenges, and unlock the full potential of the technology.

It comes as part of the regulator’s work to enable aerospace and drive growth of the sector through fostering innovation and collaboration.

As part of the H₂ challenge, Exeter Airport joins a roster of innovative organizations making significant strides in H₂ adoption, including Rolls-Royce, the University of Oxford and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.