Airbus progresses towards carbon-neutral aviation with ZEROe hydrogen plane

In June 2025, Airbus signed an agreement with MTU Aero Engines at the Paris Air Show. Bruno Fichefeux of Airbus stated: "Our focus on fully electric fuel cell propulsion technology for future hydrogen-powered aircraft underscores our confidence and progress in this domain." This partnership aims to advance critical technologies for commercial aircraft.

For the ZEROe's successful deployment, global airports must upgrade their infrastructure for storing and handling hydrogen at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, renewable energy-based electrolysis must be used to produce hydrogen sustainably.

Airbus has launched the 'Hydrogen Hubs at Airports' program involving over 220 airports worldwide and several airlines like Delta Air Lines and Korean Air. A statement from Airbus highlighted: "Hydrogen has the potential to be a transformative energy source for aviation."

Despite initial plans for a 2035 delivery date for the ZEROe aircraft, delays have arisen due to technological development challenges. Meanwhile, some industry insiders are calling attention to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as an alternative focus area given current skepticism about hydrogen's viability.

ZeroAvia also enters the competition with plans for a smaller-scale hydrogen-powered aircraft but faces challenges similar to those of Airbus despite backing from major airlines like United Airlines.