The UK’s largest airport group, MAG, today (23 Nov 2020) launched a prize for the first airline to operate a zero-emission commercial flight from one of its airports. It comes as the Group publishes its annual CSR Report and makes a landmark commitment to become a net zero carbon business by 2038, twelve years ahead of the UK’s aviation industry target to become net zero carbon by 2050.
The contest, an industry first, will see the successful carrier win five years’ free landing fees, worth up to £1.3million in today’s prices.
Airlines will be given free rein in their choice of low-emission technology to win the prize, including electric and hydrogen technology. It comes after global manufacturer Airbus last month revealed three concept ‘ZEROe’ hydrogen powered commercial aircraft, which could carry up to 200 passengers from the UK across Europe from 2035. The first commercial-grade six-seater aircraft powered by a hydrogen fuel cell was also showcased at Cranfield University in September...more
