Dragonfly Makes Aviation History: First-Ever Hydrogen Refuel on Airport Tarmac Powers New Flight Era

Hydrogen Aviation Breakthrough in Le Mans

In a landmark moment for hydrogen aviation, Blue Spirit Aero has unveiled its full-scale hydrogen-powered Dragonfly prototype and successfully executed the world’s first airport-based hydrogen refueling of a light aircraft at Le Mans, France. The Dragonfly, a four-seat zero-emission aircraft, is now slated for test flights in early 2026 and commercial launch by 2027.

https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/06/17/clean-technology/dragonfly-hydrogen-plane-taxis-into-aviation-history-with-world-first-airport-refueling-in-le-mans

Blue Spirit Aero's Hydrogen Innovation Makes Aviation History

Blue Spirit Aero's Dragonfly demonstrated not only the viability of hydrogen propulsion for light aviation but also the readiness of on-site refueling infrastructure. The June 10 demonstration saw the aircraft autonomously taxi to a hydrogen refueling station developed by Atawey, setting a precedent for future airport operations. This milestone took place at Le Mans airfield, a site steeped in aviation history where the Wright brothers once flew.

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Powered by 12 hydrogen fuel cells and electric motors, the Dragonfly offers a 700 km range and near-silent operation. The event confirmed the operational integrity of the fuel system, infrastructure, and overall integration of the propulsion technology.

“This full-scale demonstration marks a founding step towards the commissioning of a new generation of hydrogen aircraft,” said Olivier Savin, President and Founder of Blue Spirit Aero. “We were able to validate in real conditions the reliability of our propulsion system, the robustness of the hydrogen refueling chain on the airfield and the overall integration of our technical innovations.”

Hydrogen Infrastructure & Aerospace Policy

Dragonfly is part of Toulouse’s broader initiative to lead Europe in zero-emission aerospace innovation. Dassault Systèmes is supporting the aircraft’s development with virtual twin simulations, helping accelerate its market readiness. The project also highlights urgent calls for hydrogen infrastructure, regulatory adaptation, and governmental support as aviation transitions to meet global net-zero goals.

For more information

https://bluespiritaero.com/en/

(Top image: Credit — Blue Spirit Aero)

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FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation Basics

1. What is hydrogen-powered aviation?

   1. Hydrogen-powered aviation refers to the use of hydrogen as a fuel source for aircraft, typically through fuel cells that generate electricity to power electric motors. It offers a zero-emission alternative to conventional jet fuel.

      
      

2. How do hydrogen fuel cells work in aircraft?

   1. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in an electrochemical reaction. The electricity powers electric motors for propulsion, and the only byproduct is water vapor.

   
   

3. Why is hydrogen considered a clean energy source for aviation?

   1. Hydrogen emits only water when used in fuel cells, making it a zero-emission technology. When sourced from renewable energy, it has a very low environmental footprint.

   
   

4. What is the range of hydrogen-electric planes like the Dragonfly?

   1. The Dragonfly prototype by Blue Spirit Aero has a range of approximately 700 km, making it suitable for regional flights and pilot training missions.

   
   

5. How is hydrogen stored and refueled at airports?

   1. Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks and can be delivered to aircraft via refueling stations like the one developed by Atawey at Le Mans. These systems are designed for safety and efficiency on airport grounds.

   
   

6. What are the challenges of hydrogen infrastructure for aviation?

   1. Challenges include the high cost of hydrogen production and storage, the need for specialized airport refueling infrastructure, and regulatory approvals for new systems.

   
   

7. Who is Blue Spirit Aero and what is their mission?

   1. Blue Spirit Aero is a French aerospace startup focused on developing hydrogen-powered light aircraft. Their mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of aviation by creating scalable, clean aviation solutions.

   
   

8. What role did Blue Spirit Aero play in aviation history?

   1. Blue Spirit Aero became the first company to complete an airport-based hydrogen refueling of a light aircraft with their Dragonfly prototype, marking a significant milestone in hydrogen aviation.

   
   

9. When will hydrogen aircraft like the Dragonfly become commercially available?

   1. Blue Spirit Aero plans to begin test flights in early 2026, with commercial rollout expected in 2027.

   
   

10. What regulatory changes are needed to support hydrogen aviation?

    1. Regulatory changes are needed to certify hydrogen propulsion systems, establish safety standards for hydrogen storage and handling, and create infrastructure frameworks at airports.