Cranfield has become the first UK university to join the European Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation.

The alliance is a voluntary initiative of public and private partners working together to prepare the market for the entry of zero emission hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft.

Cranfield’s experts will help identify and address challenges posed by zero-emissions aircraft.

“Cranfield University is at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to decarbonise aviation,” said Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng, pro-vice-chancellor of the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University. “Joining the alliance builds on our existing strong links into industry and will enable us collectively to really move forward the delivery of zero carbon emissions flight.”

The Alliance launched in 2022 to bring together key players in the aviation industry. It provides solutions to the challenges in bringing zero-emission aviation to commercial flight. Working groups address topics including hydrogen supply, aviation regulation and integration of electric and hydrogen aircraft into European networks.

Cranfield has been researching hydrogen for decades. Its Hydrogen Research Network spans production, storage, operations and propulsion. The university was also involved in the Aerospace Technology Institute’s FlyZero programme aiming to realise zero carbon emission commercial aviation by 2030.

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