easyJet testing plane with fuel cell system to help cut costs

Venice

BRITISH low-cost airline easyJet said that it would be conducting trials of a new fuel cell system on planes that could cut its fuel bill by up to US$35 million a year, as part of its battle to keep fares low and compete against Ryanair.

easyJet said on Tuesday that if trials of an Airbus fitted with a hydrogen cell in its hold were successful, its planes would be able to taxi to runways without using jet engines, saving an estimated US$25-35 million a year on fuel.