Airline passengers could one day experience zero-carbon, ultra-long-haul
flights thanks to technology currently being funded by the UK government.
A concept aircraft developed by the Aerospace Technology
Institute (ATI) is being unveiled today at the fourth meeting of the UK’s Jet Zero
Council, which is chaired by transport secretary Grant Shapps.
The FlyZero project, led by the ATI with government funding,
has developed a concept for a midsized aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen with
zero carbon emissions. The plane would be capable of carrying 279 passengers
halfway around the world without stopping to refuel, or anywhere in the world
with a single refuelling stop.
According to the ATI, this means the aircraft could be used
to fly non-stop from London to San Francisco, or from London to Auckland, New
Zealand with just one stop, at the same speed and comfort as today’s commercial
aircraft.
The ATI said the project showcases the potential of liquid
hydrogen-powered aircraft as the UK aims to decarbonise its economy by 2050 to
combat the effects of climate change.
Hailing the project, which has been unveiled after world
leaders agreed to support the development of sustainable aviation at the recent
COP26 summit in Glasgow, Shapps said: “As we build back greener, it’s crucial
that we place sustainability at the heart of the aviation industry’s recovery
from Covid-19.
“This pioneering design for a liquid hydrogen powered
aircraft, led by a British organisation, brings us one step closer to a future
where people can continue to travel and connect but without the carbon
footprint.”
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “These designs
could define the future of aerospace and aviation. By working with industry, we
are showing that truly carbon-free flight could be possible with hydrogen a front-runner
to replace conventional fossil fuels.”
FlyZero project director Chris Gear said: “At a time of
global focus on tackling climate change, our midsize concept sets out a truly
revolutionary vision for the future of global air travel keeping families,
businesses and nations connected without the carbon footprint.
“This new dawn for aviation brings with it real opportunities
for the UK aerospace sector to secure market share, highly skilled jobs and
inward investment while helping to meet the UK’s commitments to fight climate
change.”
The ATI said it will reveal detailed findings from the FlyZero project in early 2022, including three aircraft concepts for regional, narrow body and midsize planes, technology roadmaps, market and economic reports and a sustainability assessment.