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Focus 81 | Airbus - Pioneering Sustainable Aerospace for a Safe and United World
How does Airbus plan to support the scaling of SAF production for widespread industry adoption by 2030?
Airbus supports the aerospace industry’s decarbonisation roadmap, set by the Air Transport Action Group, International Air Transport Association and International Civil Aviation Organisation, where sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is considered by aviation authorities and regulatory bodies as a key contributor to reach ‘net-zero carbon emissions’ by 2050. SAF is here to stay and will never be phased out even when other sources of energy are mature. Airbus is positioning ourselves as a catalyst in the ecosystem to promote SAF production and its use by airlines and investors leveraging cross-industry partnerships, SAF investments, as well as political and regulatory advocacy.
Investing in early technological pathways exploration to collaborating with airlines on their own use of the alternative fuel, Airbus is one of the top global SAF users outside of an airline. In 2023, we surpassed our own 10% SAF objective with more than 11 million litres of neat SAF, doubling the 2022 usage. In 2024, the target is set for 15% across Airbus Commercial and Airbus Helicopters. We aim to increase the share of SAF used in our operations to at least 30% by 2030. On top, all Airbus commercial, helicopter and military aircraft and helicopters will be capable of being operated with up to 100% SAF by 2030; this capability will play an important role in the sector’s decarbonisation journey and the scaling of SAF production.
However, policy support is also essential to support SAF market development in all countries. This is why medium to long-term targets are currently being elaborated by the ICAO together with a global framework that will support States’ ambition, give visibility to producers and investors on global demand and help SAF markets scale up, in a harmonised way and all around the globe.
What are the main technical and regulatory challenges in making hydrogen-powered aviation commercially viable by 2035?
In order to meet the commercial entry into service 2035 target of our hydrogen-powered aircraft, we would need to launch a programme by 2027-2028. This means that we have a few years to mature all the required technologies as well as ensuring a timely readiness of the ecosystem before we do so. There will be challenges to tackle.
On the technology side, propulsion will heavily influence the size and range of the aircraft. These include high power density fuel cells and electrical motors scalability. Continued development of hydrogen combustion technologies is needed, while cryogenic hydrogen storage is also a critical enabler – the capacity to store hydrogen safely in its liquid form in light weight tanks will directly influence the range of the aircraft.
Having a hydrogen-powered aircraft is great, but it needs to match airlines requirements to run on green hydrogen, with the right quantity and the right cost, and airports must be set up to host and operate it. This is why Airbus is actively working on developing the required ecosystem worldwide with all the relevant key players – including airlines, airports, industry partners, energy providers, technology specialists – to make sure that the appropriate hydrogen network will be ready.

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