Airbus has unveiled big plans for the first zero-emission aircraft. It predicts its hydrogen-powered airplanes could be flying by 2035. Hydrogen is a move away from battery power, which many in the industry believe is the answer for carbon-zero airplanes. Batteries could be problematic for larger airplanes. Airbus said the switch to hydrogen needs "decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem". This means redesigned airports and ways of refuelling.
Airbus showed three "ZEROe" designs and will select one of them. It said this was "a historic moment for the aviation sector". It added it would "play a leading role in the most important transition" the industry has ever seen. Hydrogen fuel has the potential to greatly reduce aviation's impact on the climate. Airbus said: "We can rise up to this challenge to scale up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry."