Budget airlines already do everything they can to save money. But easyJet will soon take things to the next level, unveiling on Tuesday an energy-efficient plane concept that will save the airline millions.
EasyJet estimates that it will be able to reduce its fuel consumption by as much as 4 percent by installing a hydrogen fuel cell in its planes that would capture energy from the aircraft brakes during landing.
That energy would then charge lightweight batteries while the plane is on the ground, and those batteries would be tapped during taxiing to avoid using the jet engines.
In a statement issued to the public, easyJet said that the new system would significantly reduce, if not remove altogether, the need to use tugs to move the aircraft in and out of stands.
“[the new system will] deliver more efficient turnaround times and increased on time performance…[and] the only waste product [will be] fresh clean water which could be used to refill the aircraft’s water system throughout the flight.”
EasyJet statement.
This is great news for travellers, as these savings will keep this budget airline cheap.
But first, it has to be tested and rolled out to all the aircraft. EasyJet officials said that testing of the system could begin later this year
EasyJet isn’t the only company thinking about hybrid systems that will power airplanes in the future.
In June last year, Etihad Airways flew a fuel-optimised ‘Perfect Flight’ between Abu Dhabi and Washington, DC on its eco-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
And Boeing has recently conducted a series of fuel cell demonstrator flight tests in collaboration with NASA to develop hybrid electric propulsion technology that can be used to meet performance and environmental goals in the next 15 to 45 years.
