UK Hydrogen Airport Trial Completed; Roadmap for Further Studies Released

The first report on the test flight of multiple hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) at an airport in the UK has confirmed that hydrogen can be safely and efficiently integrated into airport ground operations, and has proposed key subsequent steps for accelerating the application of hydrogen and decarbonization in the aviation industry. This project was led by Exeter Airport and jointly carried out by Cranfield University, TUI, Boeing, and other parties. It tested hydrogen-powered trucks, hydrogen-powered luggage trailers, and hydrogen-diesel hybrid GPU equipment in a real airport environment, achieving several firsts in the UK.

This trial successfully completed a full demonstration of the entire commercial flight support process, verifying the actual operational capabilities of hydrogen GSE. After the project's success, Exeter Airport will conduct a hydrogen GPU simulation flight support trial in winter conditions with partners this month, further accumulating real operational data. The report states that airports need to shift from single-point demonstrations to longer-term, more extensive, and more systematic trials to improve regulations, infrastructure, and industry experience.

This project has set several firsts in the UK, including the simultaneous use of multiple hydrogen GSEs, hydrogen GPU providing power for commercial aircraft, and the commercial use of hydrogen aircraft traction trucks, laying the foundation for regional airports to apply hydrogen. All parties stated that they need to continue expanding empirical research and filling infrastructure gaps to prepare for the future application of hydrogen aircraft and large-scale hydrogen ground equ