Successful take off for "historic" hydrogen-powered test flight

Monday 06 March 2023

A successful test flight of the largest plane ever to fly powered principally on hydrogen has brought Jersey's carbon-neutral goals one step closer, according to the Economic Development Minister.

Deputy Kirsten Morel's comments come shortly after Universal Hydrogen launched a successful test flight of a 40-passenger airliner powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The 15-minute flight, which took place last week in the United States, was the first flight in a two-year flight test programme which aims to culminate in 2025 with Blue Islands' ATR aircraft entering passenger service powered by hydrogen.

The aircraft used in last week's test was the largest plane ever to fly powered principally on hydrogen, and reached an altitude of 3,500 feet above sea level.

Ports of Jersey is working with Universal Hydrogen and Blue Islands to trial the use of green hydrogen as an alternative, fully decarbonised aviation fuel. A Jersey delegation conducted a visit to Universal Hydrogen’s base in Toulouse earlier this year.

Deputy Morel said: “Jersey has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, and our ambition is for a future in which Jersey is both well-connected and sustainable.

"This test flight is an exciting step towards that becoming a reality and is an insight into the island’s future.”

Pictured: Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel.

Ports of Jersey’s Chief Executive, Matt Thomas, added: “This is great news and I hope this successful test flight will see the global move towards hydrogen-powered transport going from strength to strength.

"Our work with Universal Hydrogen for the aviation industry, and with OceansLab for the maritime industry, supports our objective to responsibly connect our Islands and work towards a future of truly sustainable travel.”

Pictured: Universal Hydrogen and Blue Islands have signed a letter of intent to use Universal Hydrogen’s aircraft conversion kits on Blue Islands’ ATR 72 aircraft.

Blue Islands' CEO, Rob Veron, explained: “We’re committed to sustainably connecting our islands, and reducing our impact through next-generation technologies is our future.

"We're proud to be partnering with Universal Hydrogen. Its ground-breaking test flight of a hydrogen powered regional aircraft is a major milestone in this journey — a step closer to our ultimate goal of net-zero."

Airport Director Robin MacRae described the test flight as a "significant milestone" for Ports' partnership with Universal Hydrogen and Blue Islands.

"This historic first test flight in the USA is the start of decarbonisation of the global airline industry and we are proud of the small part we hope to play in the road to zero-carbon emission flying," he said.