China has taken a significant step toward cleaner aviation after successfully carrying out what is being described as the world’s first test flight of a megawatt-class hydrogen turboprop engine.

The trial involved an unmanned 7.5-tonne cargo aircraft fitted with the AEP100 engine, developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC).

The aircraft took off from Zhuzhou, climbed to about 300 metres, and stayed in the air for around 16 minutes before completing the test flight.

It covered a distance of 36 kilometres at a speed of 220 km/h before landing safely, with the engine maintaining stable performance throughout the flight, the Daily Galaxy said in a report.

Unlike many similar Western projects, China’s approach relies on direct hydrogen combustion, the report stated.

According to the report, the AEP100 engine burns liquid hydrogen in a turbine cycle similar to conventional jet engines, rather than using fuel cells to generate electricity.

By contrast, Airbus is pursuing hydrogen fuel cell technology under its ZEROe programme, targeting a commercial aircraft by 2035, the report added.

While fuel cells produce only water vapour as emissions, they have yet to be deployed in full-scale flight applications, the report points out.

The report said China opted for direct hydrogen combustion because it can deliver more power and is easier to scale up for larger aircraft.

However, this approach has its own downside, particularly when it comes to handling extremely high temperatures.

The report pointed out that the test flight has come at a time when energy security has become a global concern.

Ongoing disruptions in oil markets and worries about oil shipments through key routes like the Strait of Hormuz are forcing countries to start looking for alternatives to fossil fuels.

For China, hydrogen also provides a way to cut dependence on imported fuel, especially in aviation, where electric alternatives are still not viable for long-distance travel.

The report suggests that, at least for now, the technology will likely be rolled out in more controlled and limited areas — such as unmanned cargo operations and regional logistics — where building and managing the necessary infrastructure is relatively easier.

Experts say both hydrogen combustion and fuel cell technologies are expected to progress in parallel, with each offering its own advantages.

While Airbus is concentrating on fuel cell systems, China is pushing ahead with combustion-based engines and is also looking into alternative solutions for smaller aircraft.