A pioneering demonstration at Exeter Airport has marked a key milestone in decarbonising airport ground operations, achieving the UK’s first hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround.

A first-of-its-kind trial

The trial—delivered by Exeter Airport, TUI, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG, and Boeing, and supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge—saw a TUI Boeing 737 undergo a full turnaround using hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE).

For the first time in the UK, a baggage tug, pushback tug, and ground power unit, all fuelled by green hydrogen, operated simultaneously on a commercial aircraft. The hydrogen was supplied via a HyQube 350 refueller with green hydrogen from Protium.

The project contributes to research led by Cranfield University, helping shape future safety standards and regulations for hydrogen use in airport settings. The trial supports the Government’s Jet Zero strategy to reduce aviation emissions, aiming for the early adoption of low- and zero-emission technologies.

A step towards sustainable aviation

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, expressed pride in hosting this milestone event, stating that it “reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation.” He highlighted the potential impact on regional airports, which are likely to be among the first to handle smaller hydrogen aircraft, and emphasised that “the demonstration shows how hydrogen can be integrated into day-to-day airport operations, with lessons we can share across our airport group and the wider sector.”

In addition, Giancarlo Buono, Group Director of Safety & Airspace Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, described the trial as a critical step towards making hydrogen a safe and viable energy source for aviation. He noted that it “showcases the potential of decarbonising ground operations today, while helping shape the regulatory frameworks needed for tomorrow,” underscoring the Hydrogen Challenge’s mission to enable innovation in the sector.

Finally, Brendan Kelly, TUI’s Director of Airline Operations, added that participating in the trial was an exciting opportunity for the airline to explore sustainable technologies. “At TUI, we’re committed to reducing emissions across all areas of our operations,” he said, calling the initiative “a promising step toward real-world solutions that can be implemented across the aviation industry.”

This trial is part of the broader Hydrogen Challenge funded by the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, designed to promote innovation and regulatory readiness across the UK’s aviation sector.