Loganair Lays Plans For Hydrogen-Powered Flights From Scotland's Orkney Islands

The airline wants to use Britten-Norman Islander aircraft converted to use a hydrogen propulsion system developed by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.

Cranfield Aerospace plans to convert the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft to hydrogen propulsion. — Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is developing its hydrogen propulsion system for the Britten-Norman Islander at its technology center in the UK. (Image: AIN/Charles Alcock)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 2, 2024

UK regional airline Loganair this week confirmed plans to launch services with a hydrogen-powered aircraft in Scotland’s Orkney Islands by 2027. Under a memorandum of understanding signed with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), the companies will collaborate to develop plans for operating Britten-Norman Islander aircraft converted to use a new hydrogen-electric propulsion system.

CAeS is working towards securing certification for the conversion process in 2026 using its proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology. Its plan calls for converting existing and new-build Islander aircraft, which typically seat nine passengers and use turboprop or piston engines, to use a powertrain combining fuel cells and electric motors.

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