Channel Islands airports operator Ports of Jersey said it is continuing work with Universal Hydrogen and Blue Islands to use hydrogen "as an alternative, fully decarbonised aviation fuel".
The aim, Ports of Jersey said, was to put the islands in a "leading position in sustainable air travel within the UK and Europe".
Officials visited Universal Hydrogen’s engineering and design facility in Toulouse as part of a push to in time have hydrogen available as a fuel for aircraft operators at Jersey Airport by retrofitting planes operated by Blue Islands, the hub's main carrier.
“Ports of Jersey and Blue Islands are committed to responsibly connecting our Islands and working towards a future of truly sustainable aviation. This partnership demonstrates our ability to collaborate and innovate for the benefit of Islanders and the planet,” said Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas.
“Connecting people is an essential part of island life and we have a responsibility to do it sustainably. Blue Islands offsets 100% of its carbon emissions via Durrell’s nature-based Rewild Carbon programme. This is the start of our journey to a sustainable future," said Blue Islands chief Rob Veron.
"Universal Hydrogen and Blue Islands have signed a letter of intent to use Universal Hydrogen’s aircraft conversion kits on Blue Islands’ ATR 72 aircraft. The modular capsules used mean there’s no need for changes to existing airport infrastructure, and this zero-emissions solution can be ready by 2025," said Robin MacRae, director of Jersey Airport.