Smart infrastructure firm Costain has been added to a project exploring the feasibility of hydrogen-powered airplanes.
The Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) FlyZero project, backed by the UK government, aims to make zero-carbon commercial aviation a reality by 2030.
Costain’s role in the project will be to assess what ground operations might be needed to support hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Costain will consider the practical and regulatory requirements and the commercial implications.
It will also assess the conditions required for storing hydrogen and the impact of its use on turnaround times of planes at airports and explore ways in which automation could quicken the turnaround process.
‘Industry-leading hydrogen capability’
Commenting on the initiative, Andy Clarke, integrated transport director at Costain, said: “We recognise that aviation plays a vital role in moving people and goods, creating social and economic benefit.
“With the creative and innovative use of technology, we can ensure that aviation is at the heart of the green transport revolution, helping to lead the way for others.
“We’ll be drawing on our industry-leading hydrogen capability from hydrogen feasibility studies such as Hy-value and HYDERUS – plus our role leading the South Wales Industrial Cluster – to help make this happen.”
Image: Scharfsinn/Shutterstock
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