Empowering Hydrogen Aviation: New HIA Chair for 2025
Key Ideas
- Russ Dunn appointed as the new Chair of the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance for 2025, taking over from Johan Lundgren, with a focus on advancing hydrogen propulsion technologies and infrastructure.
- HIA had a successful 2024, launching a milestone report outlining steps for the UK to become a global leader in hydrogen-powered aviation.
- In 2025, the Alliance will delve into key recommendations from the milestone report, emphasizing airport infrastructure and hydrogen skills development to facilitate a hydrogen transition in the UK.
- Russ Dunn expresses enthusiasm for his new role, highlighting the importance of decarbonizing aviation through hydrogen and promoting sustainability benefits within the industry.
The Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance (HIA) has announced Russ Dunn, Chief Technology Officer at GKN Aerospace, as the new Chair for 2025, succeeding Johan Lundgren, outgoing CEO of easyJet. Russ Dunn will lead the Alliance in championing the development of hydrogen propulsion technologies and the necessary infrastructure to enable zero-emissions flight in the UK. The Alliance had a productive 2024, releasing a pivotal report titled 'Launching Hydrogen-Powered Aviation,' which outlines the steps and timeline for the UK to secure its position as a global leader in hydrogen aviation.
Looking forward to 2025, the HIA aims to delve deeper into the key recommendations of the milestone report, particularly focusing on airport infrastructure and hydrogen skills development to prepare the UK for a seamless transition to hydrogen aviation. Russ Dunn expressed his excitement for the role, emphasizing the significance of decarbonizing aviation through hydrogen and highlighting the sustainability benefits it offers. The Alliance's members are actively driving advancements in hydrogen technology, with initiatives like GKN Aerospace's development of multi-Megawatt fuel cell systems, ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric powertrain testing, and Bristol Airport and EasyJet showcasing hydrogen ground operations.
Johan Lundgren commended the progress made during his tenure as Chair, underscoring the UK's potential to become a leader in hydrogen aviation. He expressed confidence in Russ Dunn's capability to lead the Alliance forward due to his expertise and passion for hydrogen-powered aviation. The focus on promoting sustainable aviation practices aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner energy sources like hydrogen.