How Soon Will we be Flying Emission Free?

Airbus unveiled concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircrafts

In September, the aerospace giant, Airbus revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft, which is expected to go into service by 2035.

Each of the concepts, named “ZEROe”, denote a different approach to achieving zero-emission flights through a variety of sizes and styles but with each relying on hydrogen as the primary source of power, with the aim of creating potential for a decarbonised aviation industry.

"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 zeroemission flight,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

As the first zero-emission commercial aircrafts, Airbus revealed the turbofan and the turboprop which have the designs of conventional commercial airplanes, while the blended-wing body gives a much more futuristic feel as the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft. The turboprop is designed with two modified turboprop hydrogen-powered gas-turbine engines that will carry up to 100 passengers and travel more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

The turbofan and winged-body designs, will instead have a higher passenger capacity of up to 200 and its range will be greater than 2,000 nautical miles. Additionally, these will be powered by modified turbofan gas-turbine engines, also powered by hydrogen combustion, and the hydrogen would be stored and distributed from tanks located behind the aircraft’s rear pressure bulkhead.

Hydrogen is a promising fuel source that has been increasingly emerging given its higher density than batteries, making it optimal for the conventional payload and range of larger aircrafts. It is considered an alternative fuel whose energy density per unit mass is three times higher than traditional jet fuel. Sourcing hydrogen from low-carbon energy sources, such as wind or nuclear, will allow for the reduced production of greenhouse gases by aircrafts.

“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.” said Faury. 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." said Faury.

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.

As exciting as this may be, hydrogen as a fuel source also comes with challenges. In order for aircrafts to be emission-free, the hydrogen used should be produced with renewable energy sources. Currently in the US, 95% of hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels by natural gas reforming in large central plants. Developing technologies to produce fuel through renewable energy sources will allow for tangible advances in a sustainable aviation industry.

Another challenge posed is the necessity for new infrastructure. As Mr Faury put it, “the transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for these concept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem.” Airports will require significant hydrogen transport and refuelling 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 and the renewal of aircraft fleets to allow airlines to retire older, less environmentally-friendly aircraft earlier. Mr Faury is hopeful that through joint support from industry partners and governments, renewable energy and hydrogen technologies will be scaled up to support a sustainable future of the aviation industry.

Airbus ZEROe concept designs