A new report from Rolls-Royce, easyJet, Heathrow, and University College London’s Air Transportation Systems Lab (UCL ATSLab) provides a detailed roadmap for the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft in Europe and the UK. The study, Enabling Hydrogen in the European Aviation Market, concludes that hydrogen presents a unique dual opportunity: to enable significant carbon emissions cuts while supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation sector.
The research finds that combining hydrogen with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers the most effective route to accelerate progress towards the industry’s net-zero goals. This outcome, however, is highly dependent on supportive policies that reward low-carbon fuel adoption, suggesting hydrogen should be included within future SAF mandates.
One of the most actionable findings is that strategic, targeted investment can unlock the majority of hydrogen’s potential. The modelling indicates that developing hydrogen infrastructure at just 20 major European airports—creating key ‘hydrogen hubs’—could deliver over 80% of the emissions benefits achievable if every airport had full hydrogen availability. This hub-and-spoke approach provides a practical and cost-effective strategy for early market adoption.
“While our immediate focus is on increasing engine efficiency and adopting SAF,” said Prof. Hervé Morvan, Chief of Future Platforms at Rolls-Royce, “continued development of hydrogen propulsion and strategic infrastructure investment can help us achieve net-zero faster. This research shows hydrogen’s substantial potential as part of a diverse long-term technology strategy.”
The study’s robust conclusions are powered by UCL ATSLab’s sophisticated Airline Behaviour Model (ABM), which simulates the complex real-world decisions of airlines. This model evaluates how factors like fuel costs, government incentives, and new technologies shape fleet planning, providing a realistic picture of how the transition to hydrogen could unfold.
Industry leaders welcomed the findings, while acknowledging the work ahead. “This study outlines hydrogen’s role in accelerating decarbonisation and supporting growth,” said Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sustainability at easyJet. “Challenges remain, but progress is ongoing.”
Heathrow’s Director of Carbon Strategy, Matt Gorman, highlighted the airport’s readiness: “The study confirms that infrastructure at major airports like Heathrow can deliver most of the carbon benefits. We’re preparing to support these technologies as they arrive.”
Dr. Khan Doyme, Senior Research Fellow at UCL ATSLab, emphasised the need for collaboration: “Our modelling shows hydrogen and SAF together can deliver growth and decarbonisation. Realising this potential will require coordinated action across manufacturers, airlines, and airports.”
The research, sponsored by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the UK Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK, underscores a clear message: focused investment and coordinated policy can make hydrogen a central pillar in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for European aviation.
