FutureFlight
Airbus, Rolls-Royce, EasyJet Headline Formation of UK Hydrogen Alliance
Several UK companies form an alliance to promote the rapid development of hydrogen as an aviation fuel.
Airbus Zero-E project
Airbus is studying several options for the development of a hydrogen-powered airliner in the narrowbody class for commercial introduction in 2025. (Image: Airbus)

A group of leading companies in the UK aviation and renewable energy sectors including EasyJet, Rolls-Royce, and Airbus has established the Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance to accelerate the delivery of zero-carbon aviation, the companies said Tuesday. HIA, whose partners also include Ørsted, GKN Aerospace, and Bristol Airport, said decarbonization efforts involving hydrogen should assume more urgency at a time when sustainable aviation fuel and batteries have drawn so much of the sector’s attention.

Working with government, local authorities, and the aviation and hydrogen sectors, the group plans to draw on members’ expertise to propose “a clear and deliverable pathway” to achieving hydrogen-powered aviation. Efforts center on clearing a pathway for preparing the needed infrastructure as well as policy, regulatory, and safety frameworks.