The aircraft maker Airbus has unveiled big plans for the world's first zero-emission aircraft. The airline giant predicts its hydrogen-powered commercial airplanes could be flying by 2035. The concept is a shift away from battery power. Many in the industry believe batteries are the answer for carbon-zero airplanes. Airbus says batteries could be impractical for large airplanes and hydrogen is better. The company said the switch to hydrogen would require "decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem". This means redesigned airports and refuelling infrastructure.
The Airbus CEO said there were three designs. He said one of these will be chosen moving forward. He said the three "ZEROe" designs were "a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector". The CEO said: "We intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen." He added that hydrogen fuel had "the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact". He added: "With the support from government...we can rise up to this challenge to scale up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry."