Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
04 February 2016 08:20
Water could be created from hydrogen batteries
Holidaymakers jetting off with a low-cost airline could soon be served water created from hydrogen batteries.
Carrier easyJet claims it would potentially be the "freshest, cleanest water" available to passengers.
It is part of plans for a zero-emissions fuel system, which would involve storing a hydrogen fuel cell in the aircraft's hold.
'Absolutely pure'
Engineers at easyJet are still uncertain whether the water, produced as a waste product from the batteries, would be discarded or reused.
But Ian Davies, head of engineering at the airline, says there is no reason why the water could not be served to travellers on flights. He describes it as "absolutely pure".
Another possibility is for the water to be used to flush toilets, with Mr Davies claiming it would be wrong to simply throw it away.
Holidaymakers may feel a bit uncomfortable at the thought of drinking waste water from batteries, something which could become reality within the next decade.
But they have more pressing issues to consider when going abroad, such as finding the right travel insurance for a getaway.
Hybrid plane
Mr Davies was speaking in Venice at the launch of easyJet's latest base, where t he airline unveiled designs for a hybrid plane which could be trialled later this year.
By storing a hydrogen fuel cell in the hold of the aircraft, energy would be captured as the brakes are deployed during landing. This would then be used to power the jet when it is on the ground, similar to the kinetic energy recovery system used by cars in Formula One.
The carrier estimates around 4% of its fuel consumption is used when its aircraft are 'taxiing' on the ground.
It hopes hybrid planes could save around 50,000 tonnes of fuel for its fleet each year, equating to around 25 million to 35 million US dollars (£17 million to £24 million).
14 July 2018
Too many passengers heading abroad this summer will be travelling without adequate protection for when an airline goes bust, a new study has shown.
[more...]
13 July 2018
The mother of Bradley Lowery has welcomed the news that a drug used to help treat her son will soon be made available for other patients on the NHS.
12 July 2018
British GPs have prevented thousands of strokes after learning how to better identify and treat a common heart condition, research has shown.
11 July 2018
London City Airport is considering lodging an application to increase flight and passenger numbers, its boss has revealed.
10 July 2018
Captain Harry Kane is leading England's unexpected bid for glory, and is hoping to inspire the next generation of footballers by going all the way in Russia.
07 July 2018
Experts have warned that a lack of rigorous testing of skin cancer detection apps is putting the public at risk.
06 July 2018
Easyjet has added to worries that travellers are set for a summer of chaos, revealing that nearly 1,300 flights were cancelled last month.
05 July 2018
Soaring temperatures across the UK have led to a surge of asthma sufferers calling a dedicated asthma helpline, a charity has revealed.
04 July 2018
Strikes across Europe led Ryanair to cancel over 1,000 flights in June, the budget airline has revealed.
03 July 2018
Sarcoma cancer is "more common than previously thought" with 15 people in the UK diagnosed with the illness every day, a charity has warned.
30 June 2018
The UK is set to scorch this weekend as the heatwave continues and temperatures stay well in the 30s.
29 June 2018
Passengers travelling to Heathrow this summer could continue to face lengthy queues, a top Home Office official has warned.