Engines
New Funding Allows Cranfield Team to Build Hydrogen Airliner Demonstrator
UK company aims to bring nine-passenger converted Islander aircraft to market in 2027
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions hydrogen propulsion system
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is fully integrating its hydrogen-electric propulsion system into the nacelle of a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) expects to close the first stage of its Series B funding round at the end of July, allowing it to accelerate plans to bring a hydrogen-powered regional airliner to market. However, it remains intent on bringing the first converted nine-passenger Britten-Norman Islander into commercial service in 2027.

Delays in raising funds meant the UK start-up had to defer hardware purchases needed to build its technology demonstrator. The company aims to start flying a technology demonstrator by the end of July 2025, after completing ground tests, while it continues to raise the targetted £30 million ($38 million) from the Series B round.