Universal Hydrogen inaugurates engineering design center and European HQ in Toulouse, France
Opening event took place at the company’s new headquarters located in Hangar B16 at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, with the debut of the retrofitted ATR 72 aircraft and other highlighted progressions toward zero-carbon aviation.
The new ATR 72 livery. Photo Credit: Universal Hydrogen
Universal Hydrogen Co. (Hawthorne, Calif., U.S.) has announced the inauguration of its engineering design center and European headquarters in Toulouse, France. Located in the historic Hangar B16 at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, the event was attended by industry leaders and dignitaries. Universal Hydrogen also debuted its newly liveried ATR 72 test aircraft used for developing the hydrogen retrofit kit and hydrogen module operational handling experiments. The company’s hydrogen fueling infrastructure includes twin H2 storage tanks in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) frame.
“Toulouse is the cradle of the European aerospace industry and has been an essential element of our talent and partner strategy,” Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen, says. “We’re eager to showcase our progress toward decarbonizing aviation.”
Additionally, the opening event highlighted Universal Hydrogen’s liquid hydrogen modular capsule technology as well as the company’s renovation of the historic B16 hangar. The liquid hydrogen capsule development is one of the key focus areas for the Toulouse team and has reportedly exceeded key performance targets in latest full-scale prototype testing. Hangar B16 was originally built in the 1940s and was first used as a civil hangar for aircraft maintenance before being occupied by Airbus (Toulouse) during the development of the Guppy and the Caravelle. After the opening of today’s Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in 1953, the hangar was modified, elevated and divided into two separate facilities in the 1960s. Today, it remains one the most historic and storied buildings on the airport. Universal Hydrogen honors this rich legacy by making B16 the crucible of a new era of zero-carbon aviation.
“The EU has taken a leading role in developing hydrogen as a near-term decarbonization option for transport applications, including aviation,” Pierre Farjounel, general manager Europe of Universal Hydrogen, adds. “This is one of the main reasons we chose to have a significant EU footprint for Universal Hydrogen and we are keen to leverage Toulouse’s historical role as a leader in aerospace innovation to position the region as a leading hub in climate tech.”
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