Mid-2030s zero-emission aircraft horizon 'credible': Airbus chief

Airbus chief Guillaume Faury insists a 2035 entry-into-service horizon for zero-emission aircraft is “credible”, given the advancing work on hydrogen power. Six months ago the airframer unveiled proposed designs for zero-emissions aircraft, including a blended-wing body concept alongside more conventional twinjet and turboprop configurations. “We think it’s going to happen,” said Faury, speaking during a Eurocontrol-hosted event on 30 March. “These are different architectures we’re looking at – among others – these are the main ones we’re looking at for future hydrogen aircraft.” Faury says the blended-wing concept is “very interesting”, because it is “well-suited for a high volume of fuel inside the aircraft” – pointing out that hydrogen is “bulky” compared with kerosene-based fuel. “To go a certain distance need more volume of fuel on board and that’s why we’re looking at different architectures,” he states.<br/>