easyJet and Rolls-Royce have announced they will collaborate on research into industry-wide sustainability solutions for commercial aircraft.

The study, which will commence in January 2022 and run for up to two years, will explore alternative energy and power solutions, including low carbon and zero-emission technologies, and their application for aircraft.

The research will include analysis of wider elements of the aviation energy and operational ecosystem, including fuel production, transportation, storage and handling.

easyJet’s director of flight operations David Morgan said: “We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets. Disruptive technologies such as electric hydrogen propulsion show great potential for short-haul airlines like easyJet and we look forward to collaborating with Rolls-Royce to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.”

Rolls-Royce’s head of product development Jason Ash added: “We know that Sustainable Aviation Fuels already provide a drop-in solution, and so will have the most powerful impact on decarbonising aviation and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

“But we also want to better understand other forms of propulsion, energy and power and their potential benefits along with the challenges in operation. We look forward to working closely with easyJet to increase our understanding in these areas.”