Trial aims to make airport operations sustainable
BBCA UK trial aimed at making ground support for the aviation industry more sustainable has been held in Devon.
Vehicles assisting a flight departing Exeter Airport were powered using hydrogen gas on Tuesday in the "UK's first zero-carbon turn" of a commercial aircraft.
The airport said it was the first time a Boeing 737 passenger aircraft had been prepared for flight using ground support equipment powered by green hydrogen.
Stephen Wiltshire, managing director of Exeter Airport, said: "We're proud to have hosted this important trial, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
He added: "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."
The live demonstration involved a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, pushback tug and ground power unit.
The trial was part of an academic study led by Cranfield University.
Prof Anna Smallwood, the university's head of centre for air transport management, said: "This project is an important milestone in understanding how hydrogen can be safely and effectively deployed at airports.
"The insights gained here will directly inform future standards, procedures and innovation as we work toward net-zero aviation."
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