Loganair's Ambition for the World's First Commercial Hydrogen Fuel Aircraft Route
Key Ideas
- Loganair aims to launch the world's first commercial hydrogen fuel aircraft route within five years, beginning with sustainable regional flights in Orkney.
- The airline is collaborating with Heart Aerospace to develop a hybrid-electric aircraft that could carry up to 30 passengers, with hopes of operation before 2030.
- The UK Civil Aviation Authority is supporting the 'Hydrogen Challenge' to test the necessary infrastructure for long-term hydrogen-fueled flight operations.
- Loganair's safety and sustainability director expressed pride in the airline's efforts to pioneer sustainable regional aviation through hydrogen propulsion.
Loganair is on a mission to pioneer sustainable aviation by aiming to launch the world's first commercial hydrogen fuel aircraft route within the next five years. The airline is targeting Orkney as the starting point for this initiative, planning to introduce hydrogen-fueled regional flights in the region. This endeavor is part of the broader 'Hydrogen Challenge,' supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which aims to explore the feasibility of operating commercial hydrogen aircrafts in the long term.
In collaboration with Heart Aerospace, Loganair is working on developing a hybrid-electric aircraft capable of carrying up to 30 passengers. The airline's Chief, Luke Farajallah, views hybrid-electric aircraft as a natural progression towards fully electric versions. The airline is optimistic about having these eco-friendly aircraft sporting Loganair livery before the end of the decade.
Loganair's commitment to sustainability is further emphasized by its focus on showcasing the potential of hydrogen-powered aviation in the Northern Isles. The safety and sustainability director, Rebecca Borresen, highlighted the airline's leadership in driving sustainable regional aviation forward.
The ambitious project aims to achieve the milestone of the world's first hydrogen-powered commercial flight before 2030. With support from industry experts and regulatory bodies like the CAA, Loganair is working diligently to create the necessary infrastructure and operational framework for the successful adoption of hydrogen propulsion in the aerospace sector. The airline's dedication to innovation and environmentally friendly practices positions it as a key player in shaping the future of aviation.