FutureFlight
Airbus Adds Fuel Cell Development to Its Game Plan For Hydrogen Airliners
During its Sustainability Summit in Toulouse, the European aerospace group announced it is stepping up development of a hydrogen propulsion system for medium-sized airliners using fuel cell technology.
Airbus' studies into a hydrogen fuel cell to power a 100-seat regional aircraft could yield a solution for its ZeroE program.
Airbus' studies into a hydrogen fuel cell to power a 100-seat regional aircraft could yield a solution for its ZeroE program. (Image: Airbus)

Airbus is accelerating work on the development of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine as part of its studies into a zero-emission aircraft scheduled for service entry by 2035. The European aerospace group company revealed its plans during a Sustainability Summit held in Toulouse, France, on November 30.

As part of its wider preparations for hydrogen-powered air transport, Airbus announced a partnership with space group Ariane to build a liquid hydrogen refueling system in Toulouse by 2025. During the summit, it also reported that it is working with green hydrogen specialist HyPort to have a hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facility in operation at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in 2023.