Respecting the Planet
We strive to improve our own products, services and operations and to tackle the Scope 3 emissions of our aircraft in service.
Continuously improving our products
Decarbonisation
Towards low-carbon air travel for future generations
Our aircraft and helicopters are extremely popular all over the world. And we never stop trying to make them better.
Aviation has improved its efficiency in the last 60 years. The aviation sector has cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat-kilometre by more than 80%, NOx emissions by 90% and noise by 75%. Our current product portfolio is more efficient than its predecessors, thanks to improvements like engine optimisation and the use of more lightweight materials. We pioneer alternative fuels and disruptive technologies and we also adapt our air traffic management and operational practices with the aim of reducing emissions.
Exploring technologies that will transform flight
We pioneer disruptive technologies and alternative fuels.
ZEROe
Hydrogen-powered Aircraft
As part of our ZEROe programme, we are testing new prototype aircraft powered by hydrogen, with a view to bringing a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market by 2035. This programme explores a variety of configurations and hydrogen technologies – including fuel cells and hydrogen combustion.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Advancing the ecosystem for a proven alternative fuel
We believe that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the most promising decarbonisation solutions and are actively using it across our range of commercial and military aircraft and helicopters. All of our commercial aircraft are already able to fly with 50% SAF, and we aim to have a 100% SAF capable fleet by 2030 for commercial and military aircraft and for helicopters.
Hybrid and electric flight
Laying the groundwork for decarbonising aviation
We also see electrification as a major lever to decarbonise aviation. In the urban air mobility space, our fully electric four-seater CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL will offer an alternative means of transport in multiple applications by 2030.
Tackling climate change through our products and services
Climate Monitoring
Geospatial data to help fight climate change
In the face of global threats such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, wildfires and rising sea levels we need the best data. Earth observation satellites are a vital tool to monitor the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems.
Our satellites have monitored the progression of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in Iceland and rising water levels at the San Quintin Glacier in Chile. They also help to facilitate prompt action in response to natural disasters.
We can also deploy our technology to tackle some of these threats directly. Helicopters are an important ally for combating wildfires, and play a key role in disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
Space preservation
Mitigating debris in space
Space exploration has given us so much - from the first images of our precious planet to material evidence that Earth is the only celestial body on which we know intelligent life exists. But the means to monitor space and take us there have also contributed to orbital debris.
At Airbus, we believe we have a responsibility to mitigate the risk of orbital debris. We are testing in-orbit technologies to clear space junk, and are also participating in a consortium aimed at defining a Space Sustainability Rating (SSR).
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