Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Dubai Airshow: Reaction Engines and CAeS expand collaboration on hydrogen fuel cell tech

Aerospace Events

Dubai Airshow: Reaction Engines and CAeS expand collaboration on hydrogen fuel cell tech

Reaction Engines and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their existing collaboration to explore additional aerospace applications for their zero-emission propulsion technology.

Image courtesy Reaction Engines

The MoU represents an expansion of both companies’ efforts to develop applications for their hydrogen fuel cell-based powertrain design and system integration capabilities across diverse sustainable aerospace platforms. The agreement marks a significant step towards maximising the potential of their collective expertise and delivering practical sustainable aviation solutions across a range of applications.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

The announcement builds upon the close partnership between both companies which began with the UK government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)-funded Project Fresson in 2021, which focuses on the development of a zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell aircraft demonstrator. Both Reaction Engines and CAeS have also received strategic equity investments from the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) and are benefiting from SDF’s active support in developing commercial applications for their technologies.

Tom Burvill, Director of Applied Technologies, Reaction Engines, said: “Reaction Engines is delighted to be expanding our collaboration with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions which marks a further step forward in the development of sustainable aviation propulsion applications for our world-leading thermal management technology. This agreement builds on the close working relationship the two companies have established on Project Fresson and this establishes a firm framework to develop new uses for our game-changing technology.”  

Jenny Kavanagh, Chief Strategy Officer, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, said: “Since our initial collaboration began in 2021, the alliance between the two companies has flourished, with CAeS benefiting from Reaction Engine's advanced thermal management expertise, and Reaction Engines leveraging CAeS' comprehensive route to market for the technology enabled by our integration and certification capabilities. This latest agreement demonstrates the power of mutually beneficial collaboration and significantly expands our joint efforts to unlock new applications for our innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology.”

The memorandum has been announced at the Dubai Airshow 2023, where both Reaction Engines and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions are exhibiting at the Strategic Development Fund pavilion.
 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Milestone reached with expansion of FRA over Scotland

Aerospace

Milestone reached with expansion of FRA over Scotland

24 March 2026

UK airspace modernisation has passed a major milestone with the expansion of Free Route Airspace (FRA) across Scottish Upper Airspace, delivering significant environmental and operational benefits for the aviation industry.

Global carbon standard reveals latest airport climate action worldwide

Aerospace

Global carbon standard reveals latest airport climate action worldwide

24 March 2026

Airports Council International has today published the annual results on carbon performance and participation trends for its global carbon management standard for airports, Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Aircraft orders in February hit three-year high

Aerospace

Aircraft orders in February hit three-year high

24 March 2026

Commercial aircraft orders grew by 83% in February 2026 compared to February 2025 figures, marking the strongest February orderbook since 2023 according to trade association ADS.

British Airways

Aerospace Space

British Airways' first Starlink flight takes off

23 March 2026

British Airways’ first aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi took off to Houston last Thursday, the first flight operated by a UK airline featuring the innovative technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Global Innovation Centre opened by ePropelled in Coventry

Aerospace Defence Security

Global Innovation Centre opened by ePropelled in Coventry

23 March 2026

Provider of smart propulsion solutions and energy management systems for uncrewed vehicles, ePropelled, has opened its new Global Innovation Centre in Coventry, expanding the UK’s sovereign capability in electric and hybrid propulsion as the company scales toward producing more than one million propulsion systems annually by 2027.

GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

Aerospace

GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

19 March 2026

GE Aerospace plans to invest more than €110 million across its European manufacturing sites this year as it looks to expand production capacity, accelerate advanced manufacturing and strengthen delivery, including significant investment in the upgrade of multiple sites across the UK.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner