easyJet and Rolls-Royce have announced the completion of major tests using hydrogen as an aviation fuel – marking a significant milestone in efforts to reduce aviation emissions.
The two companies tested a modified Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 aircraft engine reaching full take off power whilst running on 100% hydrogen at NASA’s Stennis Space Centre, near Bay St. Lous Mississippi.
The culmination of a four-year programme between Rolls-Royce, easyJet and global partners; this phase of testing saw engineers demonstrate that a modern jet engine, scalable to power a narrowbody aircraft, is capable of safely operating on gaseous hydrogen across a fully simulated flight cycle, including start-up, take-off, cruise and landing.
Before this period of testing, both companies embarked on an incremental, technology-led investigation to prove the fundamental technologies. What started with early engine testing at Boscombe Down in 2022; the technology was scaled and further developed through a UK and European programme of component and system rig test, including the full development of a full-scale hydrogen test facility at the HSE, before moving to full integration into a hydrogen fuelled demonstrator engine.
Prior modifications also included focus on adapting the engine to replace traditional jet fuel with hydrogen whilst considering both carbon and non-CO2 impacts through a combustion programme.
easyJet has stated that the programme has delivered valuable insights into hydrogen combustion, fuel systems and engine integration, and supports the potential for future hydrogen-powered aircraft to aid in the reduction of carbon emissions across European and UK aviation whilst complementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel to support future growth.
David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, said:This industry-first is a real testament to the progress our partnership with Rolls-Royce has achieved, taking hydrogen from early concept through to full engine build and successful testing in just a few years.
Demonstrating 100% hydrogen operation at scale is a significant milestone and marks an important step towards easyJet’s net zero ambition, supporting the long-term transition to more sustainable aviation.
