© Airbus

Airbus has reaffirmed its plan for hydrogen-powered aviation with an updated ZEROe timeline. At the 2025 Airbus Summit, the company announced a revised schedule for a single-aisle, zero-emission aircraft, now expected to enter service in the second half of the 2030s. This adjusts the earlier target of 2035, reflecting the complexity of the hydrogen propulsion development.

A Fully Electric Hydrogen Concept

After reviewing multiple hydrogen propulsion designs, Airbus has chosen a fully electric aircraft powered by four 2-megawatt fuel cells. These fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, which drives electric propulsion engines. Two liquid hydrogen tanks will supply the system, offering an alternative to jet fuel.

Airbus Head of the ZEROe Project, Glenn Llewellyn, said, “We are confident this fully electric concept provides the necessary power density for a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. Our focus now is on improving storage, distribution, and propulsion technologies, as well as working on the regulatory framework.”

Key Developments and Testing Plans

Airbus has already made progress in hydrogen propulsion. In 2023, the company successfully tested a 1.2MW hydrogen-electric propulsion system. By 2024, it had completed full-system testing, including fuel cell stacks, electric motors, gearboxes, inverters, and heat exchangers. Ground testing of the full hydrogen-electric system is set for 2027 at the Electric Aircraft System Test House in Munich.

To improve liquid hydrogen handling, Airbus partnered with Air Liquide Advanced Technologies to develop the Liquid Hydrogen BreadBoard (LH2BB) in Grenoble, France. These efforts will help advance hydrogen-powered flight.

Hydrogen Strategy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

While Airbus continues to invest in hydrogen, it is also working on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a near-term solution. The company is developing more efficient aircraft capable of running on 100% SAF, reducing carbon emissions before hydrogen aircraft are ready.

Airbus has also introduced a SAF credit system, allowing airlines and helicopter operators to buy SAF usage certificates. This is meant to increase SAF use while hydrogen technology develops.

Looking Ahead

Despite reports of possible delays to the ZEROe program, Airbus remains committed to hydrogen-powered aviation. The company acknowledges the need for regulatory support and infrastructure but sees hydrogen as a long-term solution for reducing aviation emissions. As testing continues and hydrogen infrastructure grows, Airbus aims to play a key role in the future of cleaner air travel.