FutureFlight
Hydrogen Commercial Flights Could Start Between UK and Netherlands in 2024
ZeroAvia is working with Rotterdam The Hague Airport and the Royal Schiphol Group to prepare for hydrogen-powered flights to London in 19-seat aircraft.
Dornier 228 ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia is preparing to start test flights with a Dornier 228 regional airliner fitted with a 600kW hydrogen propulsion system. (Photo: ZeroAvia)

Hydrogen-electric commercial air service could start between London and Rotterdam in 2024, based on a partnership announced this week involving propulsion system developer ZeroAvia, the Royal Schiphol Group, the Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and the airport's RTHI innovation foundation. The partners say they are in advanced talks with prospective airlines to operate the flights with the 19-seat Dornier 228 twin turboprop that ZeroAvia is using as a technology demonstrator.

ZeroAvia is already working to develop a 600-kW hydrogen-fuel-cell-based powertrain that could be used for multiple 19-seater aircraft. Having secured two Do-228 test aircraft, it intends to start flight testing the first of these as part of its HyFlyer II program later this year. One of the test aircraft has been provided by UK-based regional carrier Aurigny Air.