Zero-carbon flights closer as Rolls-Royce and EasyJet make breakthrough
A New Era in Aviation
Rolls-Royce has taken a significant step towards the future of aviation by successfully testing an engine powered entirely by hydrogen. This groundbreaking achievement marks a major milestone in the global effort to transition from traditional kerosene-based fuels to more sustainable alternatives.
The test involved a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 aircraft engine, typically used in private jets, which was powered with 100% hydrogen during several weeks of testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. This is the first time an airline engine has been run on 100% hydrogen while simulating all the power surges required for a typical commercial flight, such as accelerating for takeoff.
This successful test represents a key step forward in making aviation more environmentally friendly. Experts involved in the project believe that hydrogen-powered holiday flights could potentially depart from British airports as early as the late-2030s or early 2040s.
Support and Collaboration
The test was financially supported by easyJet, which has invested millions of pounds into experiments exploring future aero engine technologies. Adam Newman, Chief Engineer of Rolls-Royce’s Hydrogen Demonstrator Programme, was present during the testing of the engine, which was built in Germany and completed in Derby.
Newman revealed that 50 tons of equipment were involved in the test, stating: “Literally nobody has achieved this before.” He emphasized that no one else has run an aero gas turbine like they have. The project involved around 50 partners in the UK and 100 globally, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this achievement.
He added, “The effort we've had to bring into this program shows how hard it is and how much we've had to push the boundaries.” Speaking about the test itself, he said, “Generally, the test program exceeded our expectations. By the time we got to the end of the program, the engine ran pretty flawlessly.”
Newman also mentioned that the first hydrogen-powered UK commercial flight could be operational by the 2040s, adding that passengers should “feel no difference” in terms of the overall flight experience.
Industry Commitment
David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, commented on the significance of the test: “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.”
He emphasized that demonstrating 100% hydrogen operation at scale is a significant milestone, supporting easyJet’s net zero ambition and the long-term transition to more sustainable aviation.
Overcoming Past Concerns
For decades, hydrogen has been seen as an unattractive fuel for aviation due to its association with the Hindenburg airship disaster of 1937. The flammable gas erupted in a fireball that killed 35 passengers and crew after a botched landing.
However, the fuel is now being revisited for aviation as the industry seeks to reduce carbon emissions. Batteries, like those used in electric vehicles, are currently too big and heavy for use in airplanes, especially for long-haul flights. Therefore, the industry is looking for other sustainable fuel sources.
Hydrogen has been proven to be safe and is already used in other industries, such as the automotive sector. Rolls-Royce and easyJet have previously collaborated to test hydrogen safely on airplane engines, including at the Ministry of Defence’s Boscombe Down airfield in 2022. However, those experiments were more preliminary and only tested whether the engine would “idle” over.
By contrast, the NASA experiment was much more strenuous, testing the engine as though it were being used on a typical commercial flight.
Sustainable Travel
Hydrogen can be a zero-carbon form of travel if the electricity used for the electrolysis process—when water is split into hydrogen and oxygen—comes from renewable sources. Flying with greener, zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen has previously been branded “guilt-free” travel due to its minimal environmental impact.
Christine Powell, NASA Stennis’s Acting Centre Director, stated: “This milestone is a great example of how our infrastructure and expertise can be leveraged to advance future technologies and solve broader challenges.”
