Exeter Airport hosts UK’s first hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround

ADS Advance
30 April 2025

A pioneering demonstration showcasing how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of airport ground operations took place yesterday at Exeter Airport, marking an important step towards achieving the first ‘zero-carbon turn’ of a commercial aircraft.

In a first of its kind for the UK, the trial, delivered by a partnership of Exeter Airport, TUI, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG and Boeing and supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme, saw a TUI Boeing 737 passenger aircraft undergo a turnaround using ground support equipment powered by green hydrogen.

The live demonstration involved a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, pushback tug and ground power unit. 

Read on:  Exeter Airport hosts UK’s first hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround - ADS Advance