Airbus, Rolls-Royce, easyJet and other major aviation players have announced £188m of investment into hydrogen-powered flight as the UK pushes to become a leader in clean aviation.
The funding has been unveiled by the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance, whose members include Airbus, Bristol Airport, easyJet, Intelligent Energy, GKN Aerospace and Rolls-Royce.
The group said the investment will support innovation, research and development across hydrogen aircraft technology, propulsion systems, fuel cells and airport infrastructure.
The announcement is a significant signal for the hydrogen aviation sector because it brings together aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, airlines, airports and technology firms.
Hydrogen is increasingly being seen as one of the long-term routes to cutting aviation emissions, particularly for regional and shorter commercial flights where battery-electric aircraft face major limitations.
The alliance said the next milestone is to move towards small-scale regional hydrogen flights in the UK before larger aircraft can follow.
That will require new airport infrastructure, safety rules, regulation and investment across the wider aviation system.
The government said the industry funding sits alongside £43m of public investment for green aviation research and development.
The announcement also comes as Intelligent Energy joins the alliance, adding specialist hydrogen fuel cell expertise to the group.
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