Airlines

Universal Hydrogen Successfully Completes First Flight of Hydrogen Regional Airliner

Universal Hydrogen Co., flew a 40-passenger regional airliner using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. The airplane, nicknamed Lightning McClean, took off at 8:41am PST from Grant County International Airport (KMWH) and flew for 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,500 MSL. The flight, conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate, was the first in a two-year flight test campaign expected to culminate in 2025 with entry into passenger service of ATR 72 regional aircraft converted to run on hydrogen.

Universal Hydrogen receives approval from FAA to begin flight tests(Opens in a new browser tab)

Representatives from Connect Airlines and Amelia, the US and European launch customers for the hydrogen airplanes, respectively, were on hand to witness the historic flight. The company has a rapidly growing order book, today totaling 247 aircraft conversions from 16 customers worldwide, totaling over $1 billion in conversions backlog and over $2 billion in fuel services over the first ten years of operation.

The company’s powertrain is built around Plug Power’s ProGen family of fuel cells specially modified for aviation use. One of the unique aspects of the design is that the powertrain does not use a battery—the fuel cells drive the electric motor directly—drastically reducing weight and cost. The motor, a modified magni650 electric propulsion unit, and power electronics were supplied by Everett-based magniX. Seattle-based AeroTEC assisted with engineering efforts, including design of the modified nacelle structure, aircraft systems design and integration, as well as aircraft modifications and installation of the Universal Hydrogen powertrain onto the flight test aircraft, accomplished in less than 12 months.

Airbus reveals hydrogen-powered zero-emission engine(Opens in a new browser tab)

The hydrogen-powered airplane is not just a revolutionary new product; it is a symbol of hope and progress, a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it. Today marks a new chapter in the history of aviation and the fight against climate change. Universal Hydrogen is leading the charge, and the world is taking notice.

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Airlines

Air India Signs Deal for 100 Additional Airbus Aircraft

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with an order for 100 additional Airbus aircraft.

The new order includes 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320 Family jets, featuring the A321neo. This latest purchase builds on the airline’s previous 2023 orders for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, marking another milestone in its ambitious growth plans.

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With this addition, Air India’s total orders with Airbus in 2023 now stand at 350 aircraft, comprising 40 A350s and 310 A320 Family jets. Currently, air india plane has 344 Airbus aircraft pending delivery, six of which have already joined its fleet.

To support its expanding A350 fleet, air india has partnered with Airbus to utilize its Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C). This comprehensive maintenance program will provide engineering services, integrated component solutions, a350-900 air india route Delhi, ensuring optimal reliability and performance for the airline’s A350 operations.

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Air India, the first Indian airline to operate the A350, offers an enhanced travel experience on these fuel-efficient aircraft, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

The air india airbus a350 interior currently serve long-haul routes, including air india a350 routes non-stop flights from Delhi to London and New York, delivering superior passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

The A320 Family jets, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, remain the backbone of Air India’s domestic and short-haul international operations. Renowned for their efficiency and reliability, these aircraft enable the air india new planes to provide millions of customers with world-class flying experiences.

With a total of 655 aircraft now on order from Airbus and Boeing, air india news is solidifying its position as a major global player while enhancing its service capabilities for a growing network.