Airbus Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Concept at Airbus Summit 2025
Key Ideas
- Airbus presented a new generation of single-aisle commercial aircraft powered by four 2-megawatt electric engines and fueled by hydrogen, set to enter service in the 2030s.
- The ZEROe project by Airbus focuses on maturing hydrogen-powered flight technologies, emphasizing the potential of fully electric aircraft in revolutionizing air transport.
- Airbus plans to continue testing and advancing hydrogen storage, distribution, and propulsion systems to achieve the operational readiness of hydrogen-based aircraft.
- The company collaborated with Air Liquide Advanced Technologies to develop the Liquid Hydrogen BreadBoard system to address challenges related to handling liquid hydrogen in flight.
At the Airbus Summit 2025, Airbus presented an update on its roadmap towards decarbonizing commercial aviation, highlighting the development of technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The company is working on a new generation of single-aisle commercial aircraft that will be powered by four 2-megawatt electric engines fueled by hydrogen, with an expected entry into service in the 2030s. Airbus also reviewed the schedule for the ZEROe project, which aims to mature technologies for hydrogen-powered flight. The concept aircraft showcased during the event includes fuel cell systems converting hydrogen and oxygen into electric power, along with two liquid hydrogen tanks for propulsion. Airbus emphasized its commitment to hydrogen-based flight, stating that hydrogen is central to their decarbonization efforts in aviation. The company plans to continue testing and refining hydrogen propulsion systems in the upcoming years. Airbus expressed confidence in the fully electric option for commercial aircraft, believing it can evolve alongside technological advancements. The development of the regulatory framework necessary for operating these hydrogen-powered aircraft is also a focus for Airbus. To address the challenges of handling liquid hydrogen in-flight, Airbus collaborated with Air Liquide Advanced Technologies to develop the Liquid Hydrogen BreadBoard system. Ground-based integrated testing is planned for 2027 to further advance hydrogen-based aviation technology. Airbus aims to foster the development of a hydrogen-based aviation economy and create a regulatory framework to support the large-scale operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft.