The airport conducted the trial in partnership with TUI, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG and Boeing, and supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme.
A TUI Boeing 737 was turned around using a hydrogen-powered tug, pushback tug and ground power unit.
It was the first turnaround in the UK to use multiple pieces of hydrogen-powered GSE for a commercial aircraft turnaround and to use green hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
Refuelling was conducted by using a HyQube 350 refueller supplied by Fuel Cell Systems using green hydrogen produced and supplied by Protium.
The trial contributes to a study by Cranfield University which is expected to help shape the future safety and regulatory framework for the airside handling of hydrogen and introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
It forms part of the CAA’s Hydrogen Challenge, funded through the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, which is overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The Hydrogen Challenge initiative supports the government’s Jet Zero ambitions for safe low- and zero-emission aviation technology and infrastructure.
Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “The demonstration shows how hydrogen can be integrated into day-to-day airport operations, with lessons we can share across our airport group and the wider sector. Regional airports are most likely to be those handling the first generation of smaller hydrogen aircraft, so it makes sense that they should be the focus of any test-bed activities.”
Brendan Kelly, Director of Airline Operations at TUI, added: “Participating in this trial has been an exciting opportunity to explore how sustainable technologies, like hydrogen-powered ground support equipment, can contribute to that goal. It’s a promising step toward real-world solutions that can be implemented across the aviation industry.”
In preparation for the trial, Cranfield University partnered with Exeter Airport and TUI to study aircraft turnarounds.
The study found that 78,000 litres of diesel were consumed in 12 months, resulting in nearly 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
Vehicles in the trial were retrofitted with different hydrogen technologies.
The baggage tractor was powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, the aircraft tug had hydrogen internal combustion and the GPU was a hybrid duel-fuel of hydrogen and diesel.
