FutureFlight
Embraer Commits to Hydrogen Propulsion Trials, As Electric Flight Testing Begins
As part of its new commitment to environmental sustainability, the Brazilian airframer is increasing research and development investment in green technologies, and plans to fly a hydrogen technology demonstrator by 2025.
Eve eVTOL
The four-passenger eVTOL being developed by Embraer subsidiary Eve is just one element of the company's plans to make aviation greener. (Image: Eve Urban Air Mobility)

Embraer says it will have a hydrogen-powered technology demonstrator aircraft flying by 2025. Addressing an August 13 briefing on the company’s commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable aviation, the Brazilian airframer did not specify whether the aircraft will be a new design or a converted version of one of its existing airliners or business aircraft.

Luis Carlos Affonso, the company’s v-p of engineering, technology development, and corporate strategy, said the hydrogen demonstrator program will focus on evaluating technical, economic, and supply chain aspects of integrating hydrogen powerplant systems into an airframe. The confirmation that Embraer is considering hydrogen as a fuel source follows in the footsteps of Airbus, which is now working to bring a family of short- and medium-range airliners to market from 2035 through its ZeroE program.