The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair, is advancing its environmental leadership by taking significant steps toward implementing hydrogen-fueled flights. As part of a newly expanded initiative, the airline will work on developing hydrogen infrastructure across Scotland, marking a major milestone in sustainable aviation.
In partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Loganair is participating in the second phase of the ‘Hydrogen Challenge,’ a pioneering program aimed at accelerating hydrogen-powered flight operations. This next stage will see Loganair testing hydrogen fuel infrastructure at its Orkney base, using Kirkwall Airport as a strategic test site. Collaborating with key partners—including Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL), AGS Ltd, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), and Orkney Islands Council—the airline seeks to assess the feasibility of rolling out hydrogen fuel infrastructure across Scotland’s regional airports.
Loganair has identified multiple short-haul routes from Orkney that are well-suited for hydrogen-powered operations. Phase two of the Hydrogen Challenge will focus on validating the necessary infrastructure to support long-term sustainable flight operations.
The airline’s sustainability strategy extends beyond hydrogen. Loganair is also working with Heart Aerospace on a hybrid-electric aircraft and supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates. The company sees hydrogen as a crucial element in its broader commitment to a greener future.
Rebecca Borresen, Director of Safety and Sustainability at Loganair, emphasized the company’s leadership in sustainable aviation:
“Loganair is a true industry leader in this space, and we are very proud of the strides we have taken forward in making sustainable regional aviation a reality. We are at the cutting edge of innovation and are working hard with key industry partners across a range of sustainability projects. This project aims to meet the ambition of delivering the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial flight before 2030.”
Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy, and Policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, reinforced the importance of these trials:
“These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in hydrogen propulsion. We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector. In doing so, it offers the potential to enable a more sustainable aerospace system and support UK economic growth.”
Jayne Golding, SATE manager at HITRANS, also highlighted the transformative potential of hydrogen-powered aviation:
“Hydrogen fuel offers the aviation industry a significant opportunity to operate more sustainably. Our work in the Highlands & Islands will feed into the wider CAA initiative to help us understand how we can roll out a hydrogen fuel infrastructure on a commercial scale which will be a game changer for reducing air transport emissions.”
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(Top image: Credit — Loganair)
FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation and Loganair’s Hydrogen-Powered Flight Initiative
What is Loganair’s hydrogen aviation project? Loganair is working with partners to develop hydrogen infrastructure and enable the world’s first hydrogen-fueled commercial flight.
Where will Loganair test hydrogen aviation? The trials will take place at Kirkwall Airport in Orkney, Scotland, focusing on short-haul regional routes.
When will the hydrogen-powered flights begin? Loganair aims to launch the world’s first commercial hydrogen-powered flight before 2030.
What is the ‘Hydrogen Challenge’? It is an initiative led by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to develop and test hydrogen propulsion in aviation.
Which companies are collaborating on this project? Partners include HITRANS, HIAL, AGS Ltd, EMEC, Orkney Islands Council, and Loganair.
Why is hydrogen important for aviation? Hydrogen offers a zero-emission alternative to traditional jet fuel, reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
What other sustainability initiatives is Loganair involved in? Loganair is also partnering with Heart Aerospace for hybrid-electric aircraft and supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates.
What are the challenges of hydrogen aviation? Infrastructure development, fuel storage, and aircraft design are key challenges to implementing hydrogen flight at scale.
How will this project impact the aviation industry? It could establish Scotland as a leader in hydrogen aviation, influencing global efforts to decarbonize air travel.
How can passengers benefit from hydrogen aviation? Hydrogen-powered flights will lead to more sustainable travel options with reduced environmental impact.
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