Airbus' Vision for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation and Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Key Ideas
  • Airbus views hydrogen as a key technology for achieving low-carbon commercial aircraft by 2035, with a three times higher energy-per-unit mass than traditional jet fuel.
  • Two primary uses for hydrogen in aviation include hydrogen propulsion through modified gas-turbine engines or fuel cells, and the creation of e-fuels through renewable energy.
  • Renewable hydrogen has the potential to reduce aviation's CO2 emissions by up to 50%, leading to collaborations with industry players for decarbonisation efforts.
  • Airbus is actively exploring hydrogen-powered aircraft, launching technological demonstrators and partnering to establish hydrogen hubs at airports like in Spain and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
Airbus is at the forefront of embracing hydrogen as a vital decarbonisation technology for the aviation sector, aiming to introduce a low-carbon commercial aircraft by 2035. Hydrogen, with its superior energy-per-unit mass compared to traditional jet fuel, has the potential to revolutionize air travel by emitting no CO2 when generated through renewable energy sources like electrolysis. Airbus sees two primary applications for hydrogen in aviation: hydrogen propulsion and the development of e-fuels through renewable sources, both contributing to a more sustainable future. Collaborating with various industry stakeholders, Airbus envisions a significant reduction in aviation's CO2 emissions by up to 50% through the adoption of renewable hydrogen. The company is actively engaged in research and development to leverage hydrogen for aviation, including exploring hybrid-electric propulsion systems and synthetic fuel production. Recent partnerships with entities like Aena, Air Nostrum, and Repsol in Spain, as well as with Houston Airports in the US, signify Airbus's commitment to establishing hydrogen hubs at key airports. These endeavors align with Airbus's broader goal of driving energy transition and decarbonisation in the aerospace industry, showcasing a positive outlook on the prospects of hydrogen for sustainable aviation.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.