In a statement to AFP, Airbus management acknowledged that progress on its hydrogen-powered aircraft, initially planned for 2035, is “slower than expected.” However, the company remains committed to the project and has no intention of abandoning it.
This information emerged yesterday in the press following an internal announcement last Thursday. It appears to have originated from an FO leaflet claiming that the aircraft manufacturer has postponed its goal of bringing a hydrogen-powered aircraft into service by five to ten years. More broadly, it suggests Airbus is set to “review its roadmap” for decarbonisation. The document also mentions a 25% reduction in the budget allocated to these activities and the termination of the demonstrator project aboard an A380.
An Unchanged Roadmap and Ambitions
Airbus has denied these claims. Furthermore, its website makes no mention of any project delay on its hydrogen-dedicated page. However, the aircraft manufacturer admits that “recent developments show that progress on the elements essential to this transition (…) is slower than expected.”
“Our ambition and roadmap for decarbonising the sector remain unchanged,” an Airbus spokesperson told AFP, stressing that the company is adjusting its hydrogen projects “in line with the maturity of the ecosystem and technologies.” He added, “We are determined to achieve our goal of bringing a commercially viable hydrogen aircraft to market.”
Was 2035 Too Ambitious?
According to experts, the 2035 target always seemed highly ambitious. Speaking at the Meaux meeting last October, ADP CEO Edward Arkwright stated that his group was instead aiming for 2050 or 2060 to accommodate hydrogen-powered short- and medium-haul aircraft. “The question is whether hydrogen has to be produced on-site or sourced externally,” he noted, highlighting that 700 tonnes per day would be required at CDG and 350 tonnes at Orly. The European aircraft manufacturer has entered into numerous partnerships with airports worldwide to develop the necessary ecosystems—but this will take time.
Despite the delay, smaller hydrogen-powered aircraft are still expected to take flight—well before 2035.
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