Design and Economic Assessment of a 19-Seat Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft for Regional Aviation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18690/jet.19.1.%25p.2026Keywords:
fuel cell aircraft, hydrogen aircraft, regional aviation, MTOM estimation, direct operating costs, 19-seat aircraftAbstract
This paper summarises the results from the MAHEPA project, which investigated the technological and economic feasibility of 19-seat hydrogen fuel cell aircraft and their potential deployment towards 2050. It assesses the key requirements necessary to enable their operation and long-term viability.
The analysis is structured in three parts. First, it addresses the required infrastructure and safety measures for hydrogen-based regional aviation, including production and distribution. Second, it evaluates the development needs of critical technological components such as fuel cells, hydrogen storage systems and propulsion integration. Third, it examines the economic feasibility, where the direct operating costs are linked strongly to the aircraft mass characteristics.
The economic results for the 2030–2050 horizon indicate potential cost competitiveness under favourable hydrogen pricing and continued technology development, supporting hydrogen fuel cell aircraft as a viable option for regional aviation.
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