ZEROe: our hydrogen-powered aircraft
Developing our first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft
The next frontier in aviation
HYDROGEN PROPULSION
Hydrogen has the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonising aviation in the long term, and to bring a revolution in air transport comparable to that of electric vehicles in the automotive sector. To that aim, Airbus’ ambition is to bring a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market. The ZEROe project was launched in 2020 to explore the feasibility of two primary hydrogen propulsion technologies: hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells.
In 2025, Airbus announced that the hydrogen fuel cell technology had been selected as the propulsion method for this future aircraft. The results of the fuel cell prototype and powertrain testing, as well as research into complementary technology such as cryogenics, supported the viability of this technology.
Hydrogen propulsion to power future aircraft
All four ZEROe concepts are powered by hydrogen.
In the case of hydrogen combustion, gas turbines with modified fuel injectors and fuel systems are powered with hydrogen in a similar manner to how aircraft are powered today.
A second method, hydrogen fuel cells, creates electrical energy which in turn powers electric motors that turn a propeller or fan. This is a fully electric propulsion system, quite different to the propulsion system on aircraft currently in service.
These technologies are complementary, and the benefits are additive.
ZEROe concepts
Turbofan
Range: 2,000+ nm | Passengers: <200
Two hybrid-hydrogen turbofan engines provide thrust.
Turboprop
Range: 1,000+ nm | Passengers: <100
Two hybrid-hydrogen turboprop engines, which drive eight-bladed propellers, provide thrust.
Blended-Wing Body (BWB)
Range: 2,000+ nm | Passengers: <200
Two hybrid-hydrogen turbofan engines provide thrust.
Fully electric ZEROe concept
ZEROe CONCEPTS
The fully electric concept was revealed in December 2020. It is based on an electric propeller propulsion system powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which transform the hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction. In 2023, the ZEROe teams powered on the future hydrogen-propulsion system designed for the fully electric concept aircraft.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology
POWERING THE FUTURE
While hydrogen fuel cells are not a new technology, there are none commercially available that are large enough to power an aircraft while remaining at an acceptable weight for flight. To accelerate the development of a fuel cell that would respect aerospace weight and safety regulations, Airbus founded a joint venture with ElringKlinger in 2020 called Aerostack. In 2023, the fuel cell demonstrator completed a successful testing campaign and was powered on at 1.2 megawatts.
Developing a global hydrogen ecosystem
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
The Airbus Hydrogen Hubs at Airports programme aims to promote the expansion of the global hydrogen ecosystem to ensure it can support hydrogen-powered flight. A collaborative initiative, it brings together airlines, airports, industry players, energy providers and technology specialists to address the key questions around producing, storing and distributing hydrogen. The programme currently counts more than 220 airports as partners, in addition to numerous energy providers and airlines.
Discover Airbus' ZEROe Series
The Countdown to ZEROe: Episode 1: Tanks
The latest in ZEROe
In the spotlight
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Stories InnovationDeveloping a global ecosystem to support hydrogen-powered flight
The Airbus Hydrogen Hubs at Airports programme aims to secure the supply and distribution of hydrogen at airports in advance of ZEROe entry into service in 2035. -
Press releases InnovationAirbus partners with Avolon to explore future of hydrogen aviation
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Press releases Innovation
Airbus welcomes London Gatwick to global hydrogen hub network
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Press releases CompanyAirbus, Aena, Air Nostrum, Iberia, Exolum and Repsol join forces to study the…
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Press releases InnovationAirbus takes superconductivity research for hydrogen-powered aircraft a step further
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