Advancing his academic journey
After completing his PhD in 2013, Thomas became a research fellow in sustainable travel practices at the University of Aberdeen, where he met Professor Jillian Anable; a specialist in market segmentation and social psychology. Thomas helped to explore the effect of travel disruption on people’s lives, and how some cope better than others.
While conducting his PhD, one of the partner universities on the project was Cranfield University and – when a position became available as a research and teaching fellow in 2014 – Thomas seized the opportunity; focusing on airport planning and management.
He also became a fellow with DARTeC, the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre at Cranfield, exploring how journeys can be made more seamless, safe and sustainable with digital and potentially disruptive technologies.
Thomas reflects that airport expansion was a big theme 10 years ago, but less so now. He adds that since Covid, there is more of a call to better use existing capacity, as opposed to laying more concrete, although he doesn’t rule out airport expansion entirely.
Earlier this year, Thomas was promoted to the role of Associate Professor of Airport Decarbonisation at Cranfield University, a role co-funded by Heathrow. “There is always something going on at Cranfield; whether it’s trialling hydrogen tugs pushing aircraft, or drone activity,” he says.
Getting more hydrogen into aviation will involve many supply chain players, as well as providing sufficient refuelling infrastructure. “Currently, there are considerable gaps in terms of regulations and standards for handling and operating hydrogen vehicles and aircraft, and around training for those who will be handling hydrogen.”
But the size of the prize could be great. “For air transport, there isn’t a huge amount of choice in terms of alternative fuels if the sector is to decarbonise and reach its ambitious targets. Changing the fuel used is the step change that’s required. Unless something very significant happens to battery technology, hydrogen is the main player in town.”