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Exeter Airport has successfully conducted the UK's first airside trial of multiple hydrogen-powered ground support equipment, demonstrating safe integration into airport operations. The Zero Carbon Turn project, involving Exeter Airport, Cranfield University, TUI, Boeing, ULEMCo, and MULAG, showcased a hydrogen internal combustion tug, a hydrogen fuel cell baggage tractor, and a hybrid hydrogen-diesel GPU during a TUI Boeing 737 turnaround.

The trial achieved several UK firsts. A follow-up trial will occur later this month to simulate aircraft turnarounds in winter conditions, funded by the Connected Places Catapult. The project emphasizes the need for longer trials, alternative storage methods, and formal knowledge sharing to support hydrogen adoption in aviation.