easyJet shifts net-zero strategy to hydrogen propulsion

UPDATE – For some time now, European low-cost airline easyJet has been championing the development of net-zero aircraft. Initially, it supported full-electric, battery-powered aircraft but this has changed. Now, the carrier is fully behind hydrogen as the best solution to get aviation to net-zero emissions. AirInsight recently spoke to David Morgan, easyJet’s Director of Flight Operations, about the airline’s sustainability strategy. easyJet shifts net-zero strategy to hydrogen propulsion.

First some background. In 2017/2018, easyJet announced a partnership with start-up Wright Electric to support the research and development of the full-electric, 186-seater, Wright 1. In 2019, the airline started collaborating with Airbus

on hydrogen aircraft. EasyJet has also teamed up with Rolls-Royce on a two-year study on disruptive technologies to get to low-emission aircraft operations. It also collaborates with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions. And only last month, easyJet announced a partnership with GKN Aerospace on two hydrogen projects: the Swedish H2JET program on direct injection of liquid hydrogen in turbofans, and the UK-run H2GEAR that covers hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for electric motors.

Over the years, easyJet has frequently shared updates about its involvement in and support for these programs. By some, this was seen as just PR-speak to promote a ‘green’ identity. So we wanted to know from David Morgan where easyJet really stands and how it is involved in these different technology programs. We started our chat about Wright Electric, which has been working on a 2MW electric engine that should start ground tests in the US this year and flight tests in 2023.