Part of the Zero Carbon Turn project led by Exeter Airport, the trial brought together a hydrogen internal combustion tug, a hydrogen fuel cell baggage tractor, and a hybrid hydrogen-diesel ground power unit (GPU) to support a live turnaround of a Boeing 737.

The new report highlights the April 2025 trial as a landmark but also underscores the need to shift from one-off demonstrations to broader, more integrated trials.

It identified trialling hydrogen under “real-world” operating conditions, comparing operational models for storage and refuelling, and developing a platform for sharing information on hydrogen adoption at airports.

The trial was backed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge, and involved partners such as TUI, Boeing, UlemCo and Mulag. The demonstration also contributed to an academic study being led by Cranfield University.

A further trial is due to take place at Exeter airport using the GPU to simulate aircraft turnaround in winter conditions before the end of February.

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said that regional airports like Exeter will be among the first to handle hydrogen-powered aircraft, making them a natural testbed for these technologies.

“Our winter trial this month is an important next step in strengthening the evidence base for wider hydrogen adoption across UK aviation,” he continued.

Proponents say the adoption of hydrogen powertrains and refuelling equipment across airport ground operations could help overcome fuel and infrastructure barriers for future hydrogen-powered flights.