Airbus Unveils Next-Gen Single-Aisle Aircraft, Commits to Hydrogen

The manufacturer announced ambitious plans during the third annual Airbus Summit at its headquarters in Toulouse, France, predicting that the single-aisle design would fly in the late 2030s. The aerospace giant also said it plans to begin integrated ground testing of a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system as soon as 2027.

The next-generation aircraft aims to improve on Airbus’ popular A320 family with major efficiency gains. Designed to run on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), it promises a 20-30 percent reduction in fuel burn compared to current models. The key aerodynamic innovation is a wing that folds while taxiing but unfurls in flight, which is designed to increase lift and reduce drag without inhibiting access to airport gates. The model will incorporate lightweight materials throughout the airframe and lean into automation.

Airbus is also developing open fan designs that it claims could deliver major efficiency gains while reducing carbon emissions. It plans to test an open fan engine demonstrator on an A380 test aircraft by the end of the decade.

“We are taking the best of what we’ve done and preparing another jump to make our single-aisle aircraft even better and pioneer the future of flight, when the time is right,” said Bruno Fichefeux, head of Airbus future programs.

On the hydrogen front, Airbus has pivoted its zero-emission aircraft strategy. The company had been exploring four “ZeroE” hydrogen-powered concepts since 2020 but will now focus solely on a fully electric design powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The concept features four electric propulsion engines—a departure from the six that appeared on a ZeroE concept revealed in 2020—each driven by an independent fuel cell system converting hydrogen into electrical power.

“Just as we saw in the automotive sector, fully electric aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells have the potential in the longer term to revolutionise air transport for the better, complementing the sustainable aviation fuel pathway,” said Fichefeux.

Airbus said it successfully demonstrated a 1.2-megawatt hydrogen propulsion system in 2023 and has developed a system for handling and distributing liquid hydrogen in flight. The plan is to begin testing an integrated hydrogen propulsion setup in 2027 at its Munich facility.

“In the coming years, we will concentrate on advancing the storage, distribution and propulsion systems, while also advocating for the regulatory framework needed to ensure these aircraft can take flight,” said Glenn Llewellyn, head of the ZeroE project.

Earlier this week, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury cautioned the aviation industry may struggle to fully decarbonize by its 2050 target. That assessment came after Airbus in February reportedly scrapped its original 2035 target date for flying a hydrogen-powered airliner, which has been viewed as a setback for ZeroE. But Fichefeux on Tuesday said the manufacturer remains committed to the project.

“Hydrogen is at the heart of our commitment to decarbonise aviation,” he said. “While we've adjusted our road map, our dedication to hydrogen-powered flight is unwavering.”

Airbus isn’t alone in pursuing hydrogen aircraft, but it is one of the few legacy manufacturers doing so. Rival Boeing, for example, has experimented with hydrogen but has yet to announce concrete development plans. Smaller firms like ZeroAvia, Beyond Aero, and Joby Aviation subsidiary H2Fly are more established in the space. Even drone companies, such as DroneUp, have tested hydrogen fuel cells to extend flight times.

It will likely take several years, however, before the technology is ready for the skies—and perhaps longer for the proper regulations to be introduced.

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