easyJet will partner with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to support the development of their hydrogen cell propulsion system for commercial aircraft. CAeS is developing the system for an existing nine seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.
On Monday (January 10, 2022), easyJet announced that they have partnered with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to support the development of a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for commercial aircraft. CAeS is currently developing the propulsion system for an existing nine seat Britten-Norman Islander Aircraft, which is expected to start flying by 2023. Under the partnership, easyJet will support Cranfield Aerospace Solutions by providing an airline operator’s perspective on the development of hydrogen propulsion, as well as internal expertise to assist in the technology’s application in commercial aviation.
In Monday’s announcement, easyJet’s Director of Flight Operations, David Morgan, said,
“easyJet remains absolutely committed to sustainable flying and a towards a future with zero-emission flying. We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets with hydrogen propulsion a frontrunner for short-haul airlines like easyJet. We are dedicated to working with industry leading partners to support the development of these promising new technologies and we look forward collaborating with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.”
Also commenting on the partnership. Cranfield Aerospace Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hutton, said,
“CAeS is committed to ensuring the wide-spread adoption of zero-emissions aircraft and for this to succeed, the solutions must be commercially viable. We are delighted to be working with easyJet which, as Europe’s leading airline, is ideally placed to help shape our development with the end user in mind. Our 9-seat hydrogen fuel cell powered B-N Islander development is a vital first step in our journey to design and manufacture larger, longer range, regional aircraft between 19 and 100 seats. To have easyJet come with us on this journey is a great example of how organisations large and small must come together to secure the future of our industry and the planet.”
easyJet carries nearly 100 million passengers annually on around 1,000 routes to over 150 airports in 35 countries. The airline has a fleet of over 300 aircraft and over 300 million Europeans live within an hour’s drive of an airport served by easyJet. The 25 plus year old low-cost carrier is dedicated to innovation and leads the industry in digital, web, engineering and operational efficiencies. easyJet was named “Britain’s Most Admired Company” in the transport sector for 2020, based on the longest running annual corporate reputation study in the UK.
Source: easyJet