June 21, 2023News

Airbus To Test Hydrogen Fuel Cell Application On An A330

The test programme will check the feasibility of replacing a traditional APU with a hydrogen fuel cell-powered system.

The aviation industry can benefit from Hydrogen Fuel Cells. This technology shows promise for tackling the naughty problem of harmful emissions. Airbus UpNext has launched a new testing programme wherein the company will explore creating a new platform for non-propulsive energy using the abovementioned technology. Specifically, it aims to study the power balance between conventional engines and APUs (Auxiliary Power Units). Tests will be carried out on the ground and in flight.

For the uninitiated, an APU is a small additional engine that runs on regular jet fuel. It provides the energy required to power multiple non-propulsive aircraft functions, such as air conditioning, onboard lighting and electric power for the avionics. The testing programme will replace the traditional APU of an A330 with a hydrogen fuel cell system, which will generate electricity. In the process, HyPower (that’s the name) aims to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions and decrease noise levels linked with a conventional APU. Another highlight of this study is that the new system will also help in maturing the safety and operations of future hydrogen-powered aircraft and demonstrate the stability of a fuel cell in-flight, including its restart.

Change Image | Delete Image

Here’s what Michael Augello, the CEO of Airbus UpNext, said in an official release:

These tests will mark a new step in our decarbonisation journey and ZEROe programme through an ambitious flight demonstration that will take to the air by the end of 2025. We want to demonstrate the operability and integration of the system, including refuelling the aircraft with hydrogen. We will demonstrate this system in realistic conditions, climbing to 25,000 ft and flying for one hour with 10kg of gaseous hydrogen on board. However, we cannot do this alone, and our cooperation with the Spanish Government and external partners will be key enablers of this series of tests.

Airbus confirms using a modified A330 for the flight test campaign and a ground test bed of the system. Moreover, Airbus UpNext will acquire a production unit for renewable hydrogen to cater for the entire testing programme.

0 recommendationsPublished in News

521

Rachit Shad Trehan

Warning! Can talk cars for hours.

0 0 votes

Article Rating

September 16, 2024

Air India Is Now Flying To Kuala Lumpur From Delhi

Further strengthening its network in Southeast Asia, Air India has begun direct services to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Delhi. The first outbound flight took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 15, 2024, and the return leg completed its journey earlier today.

Air India’s service between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur is a daily affair. Flight AI384 will depart from Delhi and arrive in Malaysia’s capital at 13:00 and 21:00, respectively. Those travelling the other way will board flight AI385, which will take off from Kuala Lumpur at 08:30 and land in Delhi at 11:25. An Airbus A320neo will ferry passengers on both sectors.

Kuala Lumpur is Air India’s sixth destination in Southeast Asia. The airline already has active services from India to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.

Also Read: Air India Confirms More Flights To Kolkata From Four Cities

September 16, 2024

Brussels Airlines Plans To Focus More On Traffic From Africa

The Belgian national airline, Brussels Airlines, has announced its plans to expand its long-haul fleet, invest in cabin refurbishment, and utilise the services of another carrier based on the recently extended wet lease agreement with Lufthansa Group.

Brussels Airlines claims to be the “Africa expert” within the Lufthansa Group. To further strengthen that position, the carrier will induct three Airbus A330 aircraft, bringing its widebody fleet to 13. This move will help the airline focus primarily on the increasing traffic from the sub-Saharan Africa network. The idea is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa.

Of course, with the new aeroplanes coming in, more manpower will be required. Hence, Brussels Airlines will hire over 250 new employees, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance & engineering experts, and airport and office personnel. This also paves the way for present airline staff to move to a different or higher role.

In addition to inducting new aircraft, the Belgian carrier plans to gradually introduce all-new cabin interiors. While specific details are still under wraps, a complete overhaul of all three classes – Business, Premium Economy and Economy – is part of the plan. The airline says this project will attract an investment of more than 100 million euros.

Lastly, Brussels Airlines will operate four Airbus A220-300 aircraft with Latvian carrier airBaltic between March and October 2025. Each aircraft has 148 seats, and they will be deployed on routes with lower demand.