Rolls-Royce, easyJet, Heathrow and University College London Air Transportation Systems Lab (UCL ATSLab) published a report highlighting how hydrogen-powered aircraft could enable European and UK aviation to cut carbon emissions while supporting future growth.

The study, Enabling Hydrogen in the European Aviation Market, found that hydrogen in aviation offers a unique opportunity to achieve both emissions reduction and market expansion. The analysis shows that introducing hydrogen alongside Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can accelerate progress towards net zero, particularly when policy incentives reward low-carbon fuels and if hydrogen were to be included within the EU’s SAF mandate.1

The research also found that targeted hydrogen infrastructure at around 20 major European airports, including Heathrow, could deliver more than 80% of the emissions benefits of full hydrogen availability across the continent. Concentrating investment at key ‘hydrogen hubs’ would therefore provide a practical and cost-effective path to early adoption.

Further modelling indicates that the earlier novel technologies, such as hydrogen, can be introduced, the more opportunity they present for CO2 emission reductions, underscoring the value of early technological transition where it is financially and technically viable.

The study is underpinned by UCL ATSLab’s Airline Behaviour Model (ABM), which represents the complexity of airline decision-making through specific behavioural variables. Building on this, the research evaluates how fuel costs, incentives and new technologies shape airline responses. This provides a research-based, realistic picture of how hydrogen adoption could evolve, highlighting both opportunities and potential challenges for adoption.

Prof. Hervé Morvan, Chief of Future Platforms, Group R&T, Rolls-Royce, says: “While our immediate opportunities lie with increased engine efficiency and SAF adoption, by continuing the industry’s development of hydrogen propulsion and strategic infrastructure investment, we stand to achieve net-zero faster while protecting the vital economic benefits that aviation brings. This research demonstrates hydrogen’s potential to deliver substantial emissions reductions and growth advantages as part of a diverse long term technology strategy.”

Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sustainability, easyJet, says: “This study outlines the importance of hydrogen as one of the solutions that can help accelerate decarbonisation and support economic growth at the same time. There are many technological and infrastructure challenges to overcome, however we continue to see progress and we remain committed to playing an active role on this journey.”

Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon Strategy, Heathrow, says: “It’s exciting to see the study confirm how hydrogen infrastructure at a small number of major airports could deliver most of the carbon benefits of hydrogen aircraft adoption. At Heathrow, we’re preparing to support multiple measures to address aviation emissions, ensuring safe and effective adoption as soon as these technologies arrive.”

Dr Khan Doyme, Senior Research Fellow, Air Transportation Systems Lab, says: “Our modelling shows that hydrogen and SAF together can deliver both sector growth and decarbonisation. Coordinated action between manufacturers, airlines and airports will be essential to realise hydrogen’s full potential.”

This research was sponsored by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK.

ENDS

Editor notes:

All results are based on fuel price data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and reflect the assumptions used within the European Union’s ReFuelEU initiative.

For interviews, images or further information, please contact:

easyJet: sustainability@easyjet.com

Heathrow: Press Office +44 (0)20 8745 7224, media_centre@heathrow.com

ATSLab: atslab@ucl.ac.uk

About Rolls Royce

About easyJet

easyJet is one of Europe’s largest airlines offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe's primary airports with great value fares and friendly service. easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline and carried more than 100 million passengers in 2024. The airline has over 350 aircraft flying on over 1000 routes to more than 160 airports across 35 countries. Over 300 million Europeans live within one hour's drive of an easyJet airport.

About Heathrow

Heathrow is the UK’s international gateway and the largest airport in Europe – connecting to 230 destinations across 85 countries. The airport welcomes over 200,000 passengers on roughly 1,300 flights each day, and serves as Britain’s hub for trade, tourism and investment. Over 80,000 colleagues work at Heathrow – the airport directly employs about 10% of them, with the rest working for Team Heathrow partners including airlines, ground handlers and retailers.

About Air Transportation Systems Lab

Based at UCL, the ATSLab is an aviation systems research lab dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of global aviation systems. Using physical science, econometric, and operations research-based methods, the ATSLab develops unique, peer-reviewed models that simulate the behaviour of passengers, freight shippers, airlines, and airports. These tools provide robust, evidence-based insight into how government policies, disruptive technological innovations, and airport capacity expansions shape the wider aviation market.

1 Further assessment of potential impacts of introducing Hydrogen in SAF Mandates is encouraged to ensure clarity for all stakeholders, including SAF developers and investors.