<p>Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.</p>
<p>Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.</p>


Managing Editor

<p><span><span><span>UK regional airline Loganair this week confirmed plans to launch services with a hydrogen-powered aircraft in Scotland’s Orkney Islands by 2027. Under a memorandum of understanding signed with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), the companies will collaborate to develop plans for operating Britten-Norman Islander aircraft converted to use a new hydrogen-electric propulsion system.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>CAeS is working towards securing certification for the conversion process in 2026 using its proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology. Its plan calls for converting existing and new-build Islander aircraft, which typically seat nine passengers and use turboprop or piston engines, to use a powertrain combining fuel cells and electric motors.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>According to Loganair its first services with the zero-emissions commuter aircraft will operate from Kirkwell in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland. The carrier, which operates services across the UK, specializing in connecting remote communities to larger cities, has not yet formally agreed to purchase a specific number of Islanders or confirm whether it will take converted or new-build aircraft.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>CAeS is working with the Islander’s manufacturer Britten-Norman under a strategic partnership. Last year the two companies paused discussions over a planned merger, but say they are committed to completing development of the hydrogen-powered Islander, which has been in service worldwide for several decades.</span></span></span></p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/groningen%205.png" width="5568" height="3132" alt="German airline Evia Aero could operate hydrogen-powered Britten-Norman Islander aircraft" title="German airline Evia Aero could operate hydrogen-powered Britten-Norman Islander aircraft on new regional routes in northern Europe. (Image: Evia Aero)">

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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">German airline Evia Aero could operate hydrogen-powered Britten-Norman Islander aircraft on new regional routes in northern Europe. (Image: Evia Aero)</div>
      
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<figcaption>German airline Evia Aero could operate hydrogen-powered Britten-Norman Islander aircraft on new regional routes in northern Europe. (Image: Evia Aero)</figcaption>
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<p><span><span><span>The concept for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-07-27/cranfield-aerospace-opens-hydrogen-aircraft-development-hub-uk">hydrogen-powered Islander </a>was initiated as part of Project Fresson, which has received support from the UK government. In addition to Loganair, German regional airline start-up <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-09/no-shortcuts-evia-aeros-path-being-europes-first-green-regional-airline">Evia Aero</a> is interested in operating the aircraft, and leasing group Monte Aircraft has expressed support as well.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>“As an airline, we are doing everything we can to manage and mitigate the environmental impact of flying,” said Loganair chairman Peter Simpson. “Our Greenskies environmental program, which offsets carbon emissions and invests in future flight technologies, is unique within the industry and our partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions builds on the commitments we have made as part of this. The short routes we operate in Orkney and the challenging weather conditions we face make the ideal test bed for hydrogen-electric aircraft.”</span></span></span></p>


Charles Alcock

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is developing its hydrogen propulsion system for the Britten-Norman Islander at its technology center in the UK. (Image: AIN/Charles Alcock)

Loganair Lays Plans For Hydrogen-Powered Flights From Scotland's Orkney Islands

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