Heartbreaking. Despite everyone’s best efforts, UH2 proved unable to secure additional funding to move forward. Perhaps we were just too early. Perhaps we couldn't convince the world that hydrogen, and not just SAF, are necessary for the future of aviation. Time will tell. Nonetheless, I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved, and grateful to the 100s of engineers, and investors and partners, that supported our efforts. It was nothing short of heroic. We demonstrated the feasibility of hydrogen aviation at a commercially significant scale, with 13 successful flights. We obtained Phase 1 certification from the FAA, and garnered interest from 17 airlines across 12 countries. We did this together. Now, it's up to ZeroAvia and Val Miftakhov, Airbus and Glenn Llewellyn, to bring hydrogen aviation to fruition. You can bet I am cheering them on. Our future may depend on it.
That's the most credible H2 concept to date no longer going forward. This is a shame as the ATR 72 was the most sensible retrofit proposal to date. Noting retrofit is always going to be a sub optimal solution for H2.
Amanda Lyne
2w
It’s almost impossible to raise funds at the moment; the lack of actual investment in hydrogen (rather than just talk and words) makes it very hard to give customers the choice they desperately want from the EV only brigade. For a whole range of applications it is just not practical to assume just one solution will enable full decarbonisation in all things where fossil fuels have prevailed. Without the oil and gas companies investing either it remains hard to believe we will mitigate climate change in time
Rene Monzon
3w
I'll never forget this experience and opportunity. Universal Hydrogen will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always share this story about the "World's Largest Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Airplane" including this Epic Engineering and Flight Test Team! #LightningMcClean
Absolutely tragic news, so sorry to hear this. The Universal Hydrogen team have made ground breaking achievements that have been recognised globally, laying the foundation and path for hydrogen flight and many other hydrogen aircraft companies. Thank you for the great pioneering work and leadership, and sending positive energy and vibes for the next steps for everyone in the team. We are hiring, so do reach out if Australia is on the cards ✨️ 🙏
On behalf of Air New Zealand, we are so sad to read this news. Decarbonising aviation is so immensely challenging and we will only succeed with innovators and trailblazers like you pushing us all. Next generation aircraft are an important part of our airline’s transition to net zero emissions. We were cheering you from the sidelines. You’ve made a huge difference and what you’ve done to date won’t be wasted. Kia kaha and huge respect and aroha to you all for your valiant and inspiring efforts.
I'm disappointed to hear about Universal Hydrogen, but their work on hydrogen-powered aviation is inspiring. Let's keep this momentum going! #HydrogenAviation
I fondly recall my visit with this amazing team in late 2022 while serving as Acting FAA Administrator, I was impressed by the passion and drive of the team in France. Blazing new and novel trails is never an easy one. I hope that all the learnings can help inform continued improvements.
UH will be remembered as early pioneers of the age of sustainable aviation. Your efforts will not be in vain. To those affected and looking for their next roles, we are hiring across the board at REGENT and looking for relevant skills in electric propulsion for our #seagliders. https://www.regentcraft.com/careers
Fleet Strategy & Next Generation Aircraft, Air New Zealand
3wA real shame to lose an innovator before a final product was tested. We need more aviation companies backing H2 whether it's for fuel cells, combustion or SAF energy molecules. Hopefully the IP they've developed is retained somehow.