As part of efforts to decarbonize the general aviation sector, Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide have successfully ground-tested a liquid hydrogen-fueled gas turbine engine designed for light aircraft. The test, conducted at Air Liquide’s Grenoble Technologies Campus in France, is part of the ongoing BeautHyFuel project to develop hydrogen propulsion systems for aviation.

The FAA has updated its guidelines for the design of vertiport facilities where eVTOL aircraft will be able to take off and land. Changes to the FAA document reflect the agency’s desire to harmonize guidance on eVTOL vertiports with its existing heliport design standards—a pivot driven by industry pressure, FAA officials acknowledged during a virtual “industry day” event on January 14.

BAE Systems is developing electric energy storage systems to support Airbus' plans to introduce so-called micro-hybridization technology on commercial airliners. Under an agreement announced on January 8, the aerospace groups will advance work through which electric propulsion could be made available to supplement engines during various phases of flight.

German regional airline start-up Evia Aero has agreed to buy 15 new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft that it intends to convert to run on hydrogen power. Under a letter of intent signed in early January, the nine-passenger twin turboprop aircraft are due to be delivered in 2027 and will then by converted using the fuel cell-based powertrain being developed in the UK by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.

Amprius is expanding its portfolio of high-performance lithium-ion battery solutions for electric aircraft and ground vehicles with a new battery cell product called SiCore. According to Amprius, the SiCore cell boasts “unparalleled power-to-energy capabilities for high-demand applications” such as vertical flight.

Anra Technologies is working with prospective eVTOL aircraft operator Future Flight Global on the joint development of data exchange systems that could be used to support increasingly autonomous flight operations. The partnership announced on January 8 will build on the cloud-based software Anra is developing to support fleet operations of cargo drones and passenger-carrying flights.