Due to be operational in 2025, ArianeGroup will design, produce, and support the operations of the liquid hydrogen fuelling system which will be used for Airbus’ ZEROe demonstrator throughout ground and flight tests, which are expected to commence in the middle of the decade.

In 2020, Airbus unveiled three ZEROe concept designs  for hydrogen-powered aircraft, ranging from less 100 passengers with a range of 1,000 nautical miles, up to 200 passengers with a range of over 2,000 nautical miles.

Read more: Airbus sets its sights on hydrogen powering the future of aircraft

Airbus hope that by 2035, its zero-emission aircraft will enter into service.

“Many of the technologies required for a zero-emission aircraft are already available in other industries, and liquid hydrogen handling is no exception,” said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus.

Klauke added, “Preparing for the entry into service of a zero-emission aircraft in 2035 means that we need to mature all of the required technologies in parallel. By partnering with ArianeGroup, we will leverage well known hydrogen expertise and other relevant space technologies in the pursuit of this goal.”

As a further commitment to developing hydrogen-powered flight, in May (2022), Airbus announced it would launch its UK Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) in Bristol, UK, focusing on its hydrogen products, including cryogenic testing.

Read more: Airbus increases hydrogen commitment with new UK development centre

André-Huber Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup, commented, “We are proud to be working with Airbus on these first steps towards liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. Aviation and space are two pioneering industries. Uniting our expertise is our responsibility to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

“ArianeGroup, with its unique skills and know-how in the storage, testing, and use of liquid-hydrogen, enables new industrial sectors in Europe to accelerate their energy transition.”