At Rotterdam The Hague Airport, AeroDelft successfully carried out hydrogen refuelling operations, powertrain testing, and taxi tests using gaseous hydrogen, marking a major milestone for sustainable aviation development in the Netherlands.
The tests were conducted in a live operational airport environment, making it the first time a hydrogen-powered aircraft has completed such activities at an active Dutch airport. The achievement highlights growing efforts to explore cleaner and more environmentally friendly aviation technologies.
According to AeroDelft, the successful trials demonstrated the safe handling and operational capability of hydrogen systems within normal airport operations. The team focused on validating hydrogen refuelling procedures and testing the aircraft’s hydrogen-electric powertrain during ground movement operations.
The milestone is expected to support future research and development of zero-emission aviation technologies across Europe. Industry experts believe hydrogen-powered aircraft could play an important role in reducing aviation emissions and supporting greener air transport in the coming decades.