AIR FAIR
Airbus unveils zero-emissions jet powered by hydrogen fuel that will carry passengers from 2035
AIRBUS has revealed plans for the world's first zero-emission commercial aircraft.
The European plane-maker said the hydrogen-fuelled aircraft could enter service by 2035.
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It showcased three different designs.
The ZEROe designs represent three different approaches to how technology and aerodynamics could lead to zero-emission commercial flights.
Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury said: "This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen.
"The concepts we unveil today offer the world a glimpse of our ambition to drive a bold vision for the future of zero-emission flight.
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"I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen - both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft - has the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact."
Airbus claimed its turbofan design could carry up to 200 passengers more than 2,000 miles, while a turboprop concept would have a 50% lower capacity and range.
The most distinctive design is named the "blended-wing body" plane, which has the wings merging with the main body of the aircraft.
All three planes would be powered by modified gas-turbine engines that burn liquid hydrogen as fuel, and through hydrogen fuel cells to create electrical power.
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This would create a "highly efficient hybrid-electric propulsion system", according to Airbus.
Major investment in refuelling infrastructure at airports would be required for commercial hydrogen-powered planes to be viable.
Mr Faury said: "These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world's first climate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft, which we aim to put into service by 2035.
"The transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for these concept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem.
"Together with the support from government and industrial partners we can rise up to this challenge to scale up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry."
EasyJet and Airbus launched a joint research project last year to consider hybrid and electric aircraft as a way of reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
The airline's chief executive Johan Lundgren said: "EasyJet remains absolutely committed to more sustainable flying and we know that technology is where the answer lies for the industry.
"We are committed to collaborating on the development of these new technologies - as demonstrated by our partnership with Airbus - with the aim of being an early adopter when they come to market.
"It is testament to the innovation and drive of this industry that, despite the pandemic and the immense impact it has had on the industry, technological breakthroughs continue to come.
"One thing is for certain: confidence in the power of disruptive technologies such as electric and hydrogen to reinvent aviation is gaining momentum."
Climate change explained
Here are the basic facts...
- Scientists have lots of evidence to show that the Earth’s climate is rapidly changing due to human activity
- Climate change will result in problems like global warming, greater risk of flooding, droughts and regular heatwaves
- Each of the last three decades have been hotter than the previous one and 17 of the 18 warmest years on record have happened during the 21st century
- The Earth only needs to increase by a few degrees for it to spell disaster
- The oceans are already warming, polar ice and glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising and we’re seeing more extreme weather events
- In 2015, almost all of the world's nations signed a deal called the Paris Agreement which set out ways in which they could tackle climate change and try to keep temperatures below 2C
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