Japan has successfully conducted the first test flight of a hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft, marking a major milestone in eco-friendly aviation. The prototype, developed by a government-backed aerospace consortium, flew for 40 minutes over the skies of Nagoya.
Hydrogen fuel emits only water vapour, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel. Japan hopes to commercialize hydrogen-powered short-haul flights by 2030, in a bid to meet its net-zero emission goals.
The technology is drawing international attention, including from Indian aviation authorities and startups in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which are exploring green fuel alternatives for domestic air routes.