Airbus Showcases Hydrogen Aircraft Technologies and Advances for Next-Generation Single-Aisle Aircraft
During the Airbus Summit 2025, the European aerospace company presented updates on its roadmap toward the future of aviation. The event highlighted progress in the ZEROe project, which aims to mature the technologies required for hydrogen-powered flight. Additionally, Airbus detailed plans to develop a new generation of single-aisle aircraft, with entry into service expected in the second half of the 2030s.
Hydrogen as the Key to Sustainability
Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programs at Airbus, emphasized that hydrogen is a cornerstone of the aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy. Despite adjustments to the roadmap, Airbus remains committed to bringing a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market. “Fully electric aircraft with hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to transform air transport in the long term, complementing the use of sustainable fuels,” Fichefeux stated.
New Fuel Cell Aircraft Concept
The event unveiled a new aircraft concept powered by four 2-megawatt electric motors, each fueled by a hydrogen fuel cell system that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. This design includes two liquid hydrogen tanks as the energy source.
Glenn Llewellyn, Head of the ZEROe Project, explained that over the past five years, multiple hydrogen propulsion options were explored before selecting this fully electric concept. “We are confident this design can deliver the power density required for a commercial aircraft and will evolve as we advance the technology’s maturity,” Llewellyn said. Next steps include improving storage, distribution, and propulsion systems, as well as advocating for a regulatory framework to enable the operation of these aircraft.
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Recent Milestones and Key Tests Through 2027
Airbus has demonstrated significant progress in developing this technology. In 2023, the company successfully tested a 1.2-megawatt hydrogen propulsion system. During 2024, integrated tests were completed, covering everything from fuel cell stacks to electric motors, gearboxes, inverters, and heat exchangers.
To address the challenges of handling and distributing liquid hydrogen in flight, Airbus is collaborating with Air Liquide Advanced Technologies on the Liquid Hydrogen BreadBoard (LH2BB) system in Grenoble, France. Ground-based integrated tests are planned for 2027 at the Electric Aircraft System Test House in Munich, where the hydrogen propulsion and distribution systems will undergo full validation.
Advances in Next-Generation Single-Aisle Aircraft
Beyond hydrogen-electric development, Airbus revealed technologies for its next-generation single-aisle aircraft. These planes, which could enter service in the 2030s, will offer 20% to 30% improved fuel efficiency and the ability to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Key innovations include more efficient engines with disruptive open-fan designs, folding wings for aerodynamic optimization, next-generation batteries enabling hybrid architectures, and ultralight materials integrating advanced connectivity systems.
“Every second, an Airbus aircraft takes off, connecting people, cargo, and businesses worldwide. Our portfolio is the most advanced, with the A321XLR leading single-aisle technology. Now we are taking the next step to make them even more efficient and prepare for the future of flight,” Fichefeux highlighted.
Karim Mokaddem, Airbus’s R&D Director, added that the company’s teams are working on finalizing the engine type, wing design, and other innovations as they reach maturity.
These advancements in aeronautical technology will enable the development of a new generation of commercial aircraft with significant improvements in efficiency and productivity, contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation sector in the coming decades.
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