Loganair (LM/LOG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Canfield Aerospace Solutions with the aim of flying the first Hydrogen electric powered BN Islander by 2027.
Having supported the project to convert a BN Islander to hydrogen electric power, Project Fresson, from the start it is a logical step for Loganair to know aim to fly it from its base in Kirkwall.
The move bolsters Loganair’s commitment to be Net-Zero by 2040, one of the most ambitious targets of any airline and 10 years ahead of the industry standard.
Paul Hutton, CEO, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant stride toward achieving zero-emission flight in the Orkney Islands and potentially enabling the first zero emissions passenger air service, right here in the UK. Collaborating closely with Loganair, we aim to harness our combined experience and expertise to address the operational and infrastructure considerations, ultimately ensuring the successful deployment of the hydrogen-electric Britten-Norman Islander across Loganair’s lifeline routes within the islands.”
The routes operated by Loganair across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland make it an ideal starting point for hydrogen electric flight while the technology matures for longer distances. The BN Islander already serves many of those routes.
Peter Simpson, Executive Chairman, Loganair, added: “As an airline, we are doing everything we can to manage and mitigate the environmental impact of flying. Our Greenskies environmental programme, which offsets carbon emissions and invests in future flight technologies, is unique within the industry and our partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions builds on the commitments we have made as part of this.
“The short haul routes we operate in Orkney and the challenging weather conditions we face, make the ideal test bed for hydrogen-electric aircraft, and we are incredibly proud that we could be offering the world’s first commercial zero emissions flights.”