Aviation expert Helen Leadbetter to discuss zero-emission hydrogen aviation and the future of sustainable air travel at the London EV Show

Helen Leadbetter, a key figure in sustainable aviation, is set to present at the upcoming London EV Show. As the Technical Strategy Lead for Zero Emissions Flight at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Leadbetter is leading pioneering efforts in zero-emission hydrogen aviation to transform the sector towards net-zero emissions.

Leadbetter leads initiatives focused on hydrogen-powered flight, working on cutting-edge projects within the CAA to advance zero-emission aviation. Her efforts are part of the broader UK Future Flight Challenge, a government-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of cleaner flight technologies.

A cornerstone of her work is the CAA’s Hydrogen Challenge, which she spearheaded to foster collaboration among industry players, academics, and regulatory bodies. This initiative is designed to enhance the understanding of the potential risks associated with hydrogen fuel in aviation, identify gaps in current regulatory frameworks, and formulate robust policies that will support the transition to zero-emission flight.

In her role, Leadbetter has been instrumental in driving research and innovation around hydrogen-powered aviation. Before joining the CAA, she was deeply involved in the FlyZero Project at the Aerospace Technology Institute, which focused on the feasibility of using hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel. Her contributions include co-authoring a pivotal whitepaper titled “Hydrogen Infrastructure and Operations – Airports, Airline, Airspace”, which outlines strategies for integrating hydrogen fuel into existing aviation frameworks.

During her session at the London EV Show, Leadbetter will delve into the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to hydrogen-powered flights. She is expected to share insights on the regulatory preparations needed to accommodate these emerging technologies, highlighting how collaboration across sectors can mitigate risks and streamline the adoption of zero-emission solutions in aviation.

The aviation industry, long seen as a challenging sector to decarbonise, is now exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen to reduce its carbon footprint. Leadbetter’s leadership in this area not only emphasises the importance of regulatory readiness but also showcases the potential for hydrogen to revolutionise the future of flight.

Helen’s work is crucial to ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable aviation. Her focus on bridging policy gaps, facilitating cross-sector partnerships, and reducing the risk of technological failure aligns with the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets.

Attendees of the London EV Show can look forward to an in-depth discussion on the future of aviation and the pivotal role of hydrogen in achieving zero-emission air travel. Leadbetter’s presentation will provide valuable insights into how the aviation sector can align with global sustainability goals, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in air travel.