FAA Accepts Universal Hydrogen's STC Bid for ATR 72 Conversion

The agency also issued guidance to establish certification criteria for the aircraft conversion to electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, September 15, 2023 at 01:04 PM ET

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Universal Hydrogen is using this modified ATR 72-500 hydrogen fuel demonstrator to develop its hydrogen retrofit kit. (Courtesy: Universal Hydrogen)

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has accepted Universal Hydrogen's application for a supplemental type certificate (STC) to convert ATR 72 regional airliners to hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric motors, establishing initial certification criteria.
Universal Hydrogen is developing both powertrain conversion kits for existing regional aircraft and a modular hydrogen logistics network to streamline fuel transport.
Connect Airlines has placed a firm order for 75 ATR 72-600 conversions, with deliveries expected to commence in 2025, signaling early adoption of the technology.

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The move toward alternative fuel sources for airliners has taken a step forward as the FAA accepted Universal Hydrogen’s application for a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the conversion of ATR 72 regional airliners to electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The FAA on Thursday issued the G-1 Issue Paper that establishes certification criteria, including airworthiness and environmental standards required by the FAA to ultimately certify the Universal Hydrogen design for ATR 72 conversion to hydrogen power.