A hybrid plane concept developed by Cranfield University students could help easyJet meet its emission reduction and fuel efficiency targets. The airline plans to cut fleet carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometer by 7% by 2020.

The hybrid plane concept uses a hydrogen fuel cell stowed in the aircraft's hold. This system allows energy to be captured as the aircraft brakes on landing and is used to charge the system’s batteries when the aircraft is on the ground (much like the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) found in Formula 1 cars).

The hybrid plane concept uses a hydrogen fuel cell stowed in the aircraft's hold.The energy can then be used by the aircraft – for example when taxiing - without using the jet engines. Due to the high frequency and short lengths of easyJet’s flight operations, around 4% of the airline’s total annual fuel consumption is used when planes are taxiing. The airline’s aircraft average 20 minutes of taxi time per flight – the equivalent of around four million miles a year.

Motors in the main wheels and power electronics and system controllers would give pilots control of the aircraft’s speed, direction and braking during taxi operations. The system would reduce, if not end, the need for tugs to maneuver aircraft in and out of arrival gates.