ASL to buy hydrogen conversion kits for ATRs
14 / 10 / 2021
Source: ASL/Universal Hydrogen
ASL Aviation Holdings has revealed plans to purchase ten hydrogen-propulsion “conversion kits” for ATR turboprops from Universal Hydrogen.
Universal is developing the conversion kits as part of a broader effort to kick-start hydrogen propulsion for aviation.
Universal ultimately aims to develop a broad hydrogen fuel distribution network – but that necessities hydrogen-burning aircraft.
The companies said that ASL “will be a global launch customer for the turboprop cargo market and plans to purchase up to ten of Universal Hydrogen’s ATR 72 conversion kits for installation into its existing or future turboprop aircraft fleet”.
ASL also agreed to provide an ATR 72 to Universal for use as a test and certification aircraft, and entered into a “long-term fuel services contract” with Universal.
ASL’s subsidiary airlines include “ASL”-branded carriers in Ireland, Belgium, France and Hungary.
The deal with Universal will allow ASL “to lead the aviation industry as it moves to meet ambitious carbon-emissions targets”, it says.
Several weeks ago, airline industry group IATA committed to “net-zero” carbon emissions for the world’s airlines by 2050.
