The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance (HIA) has emphasized the need for a broad industrial strategy for aviation, asserting it’s the key to positioning the UK as the global front-runner in hydrogen aviation development.
HIA’s intention is to ensure a transition to hydrogen-powered flights, preserving the substantial economic and social benefits of aviation. The alliance, comprising Bristol Airport, easyJet, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Ørsted, GKN Aerospace, and ZeroAvia, holds the belief that hydrogen is a primary tool for decarbonizing aviation. It further links hydrogen’s role to the creation of new jobs and a long-term sustainable future for the sector.
HIA’s [Milestone Delivery Report](https://hydrogeninaviation.co.uk/launching-hydrogen-powered-aviation-report) outlines the steps that the UK government and industry must undertake to firmly establish the UK’s position in hydrogen-powered aviation. HIA believes that the UK’s history of world-first developments in hydrogen-powered aircraft technology positions it as a potential leader in this sector.
To leverage these opportunities, UK needs to massively boost its hydrogen supply on the back of rapid deployment of renewable and low-carbon energy generation, significant investment in hydrogen infrastructure and skills development.
HIA’s report provides six key recommendations for a hydrogen-ready future:
* Develop and industrialize superior propulsion and flight technologies.
* Supporting the CAA with resources to lead certification, standard-setting, and new regulation.
* Create a well-developed network of hydrogen-ready airports.
* Implement government support and incentives to overcome transition costs.
* Scale up hydrogen production capacity and renewable power generation to meet aviation’s hydrogen requirements.
* Equip the UK’s workforce with the appropriate skills for this new technology.
HIA maintains that hydrogen will secure jobs and bring immense value to regions across the UK, with aviation being a significant contributor to the UK’s GDP. East Midlands Hydrogen estimates a potential 110,000 jobs in the East Midlands alone through its future hydrogen network.
