THREE concepts of the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft, codenamed ‘ZEROe’, by Airbus is expected to enter service by 2035. The concepts each represent a different approach to achieve zero-emission fight, exploring various technology pathways and aerodynamic configurations in order to support the company’s ambition of de-carbonising the aviation industry.
All the concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source, an option in which Airbus believes hold exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel and is likely to be a solution for aerospace and many other industries to meet climate-neutral targets.
“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 CEO Guillaume Faury said.
“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,” he added.
In order to tackle these challenges, airports will require significant hydrogen transport and re-fuelling infrastructure to meet the needs of day-to-day operations.
Support from governments will be key to meet these ambitious objectives with increased funding for research and technology, digitalisation and mechanisms that encourage the use of sustainable fuels.
It is also encouraged the renewal of aircraft fleets to allow airlines to retire older, less environmentally friendly aircraft earlier. – Sept 25, 2020
