An Airbus A380
Airbus to test hydrogen engine on biggest passenger jet
Modified A380 to start tests flights in around 2025 with liquid hydrogen-fuelled engine mounted on rear fuselage
European aerospace company Airbus has launched a project to demonstrate a hydrogen-fuelled engine mounted onto a modified version of its A380 model, the world’s largest passenger plane. Test flights are scheduled to start in around 2025 with the ultimate aim of commercial use of a zero-emission plane by 2035. Airbus has signed a partnership agreement with US-based engine maker CFM International —a 50/50 joint company between US multinational GE and engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines—to develop the project. “By leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to make progress on hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message
Also in this section
25 July 2025
Oil major cites strategy reset as it walks away from Australian Renewable Energy Hub, leaving partner InterContinental Energy to lead one of world’s largest green hydrogen projects
23 July 2025
Electrolysis seen as most leakage-prone production pathway as study warns of sharp increase through 2030 and beyond
22 July 2025
The gas-hungry sector is set for rapid growth, and oil majors and some of the world’s largest LNG firms are investing in ammonia production and export facilities, though much depends on regulatory support
16 July 2025
Major manufacturer cancels rollout of new hydrogen-powered vans and strengthens focus on battery electric and hybrid markets
