Hydrogen-powered ATR 72 gets a launch customer

ASL Aviation Holdings, an Ireland-based firm, intends to purchase up to 10 conversion kits to make their ATR 72 freighters run on hydrogen.

The company has signed a letter of intent with Universal Hydrogen, becoming the launch customer for the new type of vehicle. 

According to a press release, the converted ATR 72s are going to be used for cargo transportation. In addition to conversion kits, ASL Aviation Holdings will receive one already converted aircraft for tests. 

Universal Hydrogen plans to manufacture conversion kits that would allow existing models of turboprop aircraft to run on hydrogen. The company also advertises its intention to create and maintain infrastructure for distributing the new type of fuel. 

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According to the firm, converting aircraft to run on hydrogen not only greatly reduces carbon emissions, but also improves their performance and reduces operational costs.

In recent years there have been numerous announcements of investments into research and development of hydrogen-powered aircraft. While the use of such fuel remains challenging, industry experts expect the hydrogen aircraft market to reach over USD 174 billion by 2040.