EasyJet announced plans to trial a hybrid plane concept that would use a hydrogen fuel cell stored in the aircraft hold.
The concept, which could convert their entire fleet of ordinary planes into hybrids without having to purchase new aircraft, could save a potential 50,000 tons of fuel and corresponding CO2 emissions each year.
The concept relies on hydrogen fuel cells which would be stored in the aircraft hold, and would allow a plane to taxi to and from the runway without using any fuel.
Considerable savings
The cells would capture energy from the aircraft braking on landing, and would charge lightweight batteries when the plane is on the ground, negating the aircraft's need to use jet fuel when taxiing.
How realistic is a plane with a detachable cabin?
As 4% of the airline's fuel is consumed during taxiing, that comes out as a considerable saving.
Ian Davies, easyJet's head of engineering, says the short-haul, budget carrier is particularly well-placed to trial this technology.
"Because of the fact we're a low-cost carrier, most people take hand luggage and our hulls are empty, so we have the space to do it," he explains.
EasyJet's pilots would also have total control of the aircraft speed, direction and breaking during taxiing, thanks to a combination of power electronic systems and power motors in the aircraft's main wheels, meaning there would be no need for tugs to maneuver the aircraft around the runway.
The only waste is clean water
"If we can taxi at the end of the runway without starting engines, the whole experience will change at the airport. They'll be more quiet, more pollution-free, and more socially responsible as well," adds Davies.
The only waste the hydrogen fuel cell would produce would be clean water, which easyJet could theoretically use to refill the aircraft's water system.