EasyJet to test ‘world first’ hybrid plane

Sunday, 02 Feb, 2016 0

EasyJet is to become the first airline in the world to test a hybrid plane, which uses hydrogen fuel cells to power the aircraft while it’s on the ground.

The airline says the zero-emission hydrogen technology could cut its fuel bill by up to $35 million a year.

The system is designed to harness the energy produced by the brakes, which will then power the plane as it taxis to the gate.

Waste water that is produced from the hydrogen cells could be recycled to flush the toilets onboard.

EasyJet said the hybrid system being trailed later this year could save around 50,000 tonnes of fuel every year.

As 4% of easyJet’s fuel is used for taxiing, it could save $25 million to $35 million if all its aircraft used the new hybrid system to move between gates and runways.



 

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Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk



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