Airbus reveals new zero-emission concept aircraft#zeroe #zeroemissionsday #decarbonisation #sustainability #hydrogen
Toulouse, 21 September 2020 - ​Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s firstzero-emission commercial aircraft which could enter service by 2035. These concepts each
represent a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, exploring various technology
pathways and aerodynamic configurations in order to support the Company’s ambition ofleading the way in the decarbonisation of the entire aviation industry.
All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source - an option which Airbus
believes holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel and is likely to be a solution foraerospace and many other industries to meet their climate-neutral targets.
“This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend toplay a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen. The concepts
we unveil today offer the world a glimpse of our ambition to drive a bold vision for the futureof zero-emission flight,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “I strongly believe that the use ofhydrogen​ - both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft has the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact.”
The three concepts - all codenamed “ZEROe” - for a first climate neutral zero-emissioncommercial aircraft include:

A turbofan design​ (120-200 passengers)
with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles,
capable of operating transcontinentallyand powered by a modified gas-turbine
engine running on hydrogen, rather thanjet fuel, through combustion. The liquidhydrogen will be stored and distributed via
tanks located behind the rear pressurebulkhead.

A turboprop design ​(​up to 100passengers) using a​ turboprop engine
instead of a turbofan and also powered byhydrogen combustion in modified
gas-turbine engines​, which would becapable of traveling more than 1,000
nautical miles, making it a perfect option for
short-haul trips.

A “blended-wing body” design ​(​up to 200passengers) concept in which the wings
merge with the main body of the aircraftwith a range similar to that of the turbofan
concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage
opens up multiple options for hydrogenstorage and distribution, and for cabinlayout.

“These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world’s firstclimate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft, which we aim to put into service by 2035,”
said Guillaume Faury. “The transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for theseconcept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem. Together withthe support from government and industrial partners we can rise up to this challenge toscale-up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry.”
In order to tackle these challenges, airports will require significant hydrogen transport andrefueling infrastructure to meet the needs of day-to-day operations. ​Support fromgovernments will be key to meet these ambitious objectives with increased funding for
research & technology, digitalisation, and mechanisms that encourage the use ofsustainable fuels and the renewal of aircraft fleets to allow airlines to retire older, lessenvironmentally friendly aircraft earlier.

Note to editors:​ ​T​o evaluate and validate these new concept aircraft and assess whether
they could be matured into viable future products, ​Airbus will be focusing its efforts on anumber of technological pathways. Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer, Jean-BriceDumont, EVP Engineering and Glenn Llewellyn, VP Head of Zero Emission Aircraft, willreveal Airbus' technology roadmap for 2020-2025 at 14:00 CEST, 21 September 2020 during
a virtual event on Airbus social media channels.
About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2019, it generated revenues of € 70 billion
and employed a workforce of around 135,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners.
Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of theworld’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft
solutions worldwide.
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Marie-Alix Delestrade
Airbus Spain+34 687 042 725