The UK government has unveiled novel plans for a new liquid hydrogen plane, which could facilitate zero emission flight.
With the revelation of a new liquid hydrogen plane, it may be possible for passengers in the future to travel across the world with zero emission flights. As a result of government-funded technology, consumers could fly with zero carbon emissions to the other side of the world, taking only one refuelling stop.
Zero emission flight with FlyZero
The concept aircraft has been revealed by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) in advance of the fourth meeting of the Jet Zero Council, which is chaired by the Transport Secretary.
The innovative FlyZero project will be led by the ATI and funded by the government. The result of the project has been the development of a concept for a midsized aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen. The concept aircraft can fly 279 passengers halfway around the world without a stop or anywhere in the world with just one stop to refuel.
This means that in the future, passengers could fly on a zero carbon emissions non-stop flight from London to LA, or from London to Auckland with only one stop. This would all be possible at the same speed and with the same comfort as a contemporary aircraft.
The project demonstrates the vast possibilities of liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft as the UK works towards a cleaner and greener air travel future and adds to progress previously accomplished by the Jet Zero Council, a partnership between industry and government with the aim of delivering zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation.
Towards a greener UK
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As we build back greener, it’s crucial that we place sustainability at the heart of the aviation industry’s recovery from COVID-19.
“This pioneering design for a liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft, led by a British organisation, brings us one step closer to a future where people can continue to travel and connect but without the carbon footprint.
“I will continue to work closely with the Jet Zero Council to support the UK’s world-leading research in this sector, which will create green jobs, help us meet our ambitious net zero targets and lead the global transition to net zero aviation.”
Industrial opportunities
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “These designs could define the future of aerospace and aviation. By working with industry, we are showing that truly carbon-free flight could be possible with hydrogen, a front-runner to replace conventional fossil fuels.
“Fuelling planes sustainably will enable the public to travel as we do now, but in a way that doesn’t damage the planet. It will not only help us to end our contribution to climate change, but also represents a huge industrial opportunity for the UK.”
Groundbreaking green technology
Jet Zero Council CEO Emma Gilthorpe explained: “The Aerospace Technology Institute’s pioneering research highlights the potential for hydrogen in realising zero-carbon global connectivity.
“This groundbreaking green technology looks set to play a critical role in decarbonising flight and through the work of the Jet Zero Council, the UK aviation sector is exploring all avenues to ensure we protect the benefits of flying for future generations while cutting the carbon cost.”
Fighting against climate change
FlyZero Project Director Chris Gear concluded: “At a time of global focus on tackling climate change, our midsize concept sets out a truly revolutionary vision for the future of global air travel keeping families, businesses and nations connected without the carbon footprint.
“This new dawn for aviation brings with it real opportunities for the UK aerospace sector to secure market share, highly skilled jobs and inward investment while helping to meet the UK’s commitments to fight climate change.”
