Impact of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology on Aircraft Maintenance

The aviation industry is adopting a promising approach to decarbonize the aviation sector dramatically by incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technology and expects to start some commercial services as early as 2035. The authors estimate the aircraft operating cost to become less expensive eventually with this forthcoming fuel cell technology, and the total maintenance cost of hydrogen-powered aircraft to come down in the long run for all segments of the aviation sector, from short haul to long haul services. With the possible incorporation of a new superconducting electrical system, a pneumatic power system, and a fully integrated electrical drive train system, additional maintenance will be required due to their cryogenic factors and associated safety issues. This chapter focuses on the potential impacts of hydrogen fuel cell technology on aircraft maintenance reliability, cost, and safety across the wide range of commuter, regional, short, medium, and long-haul segments of the aviation industry.