Aviation is facing a defining moment. As countries strengthen climate commitments and industries push toward net-zero goals, the pressure on aviation to clean up its act has intensified. Traditional jet fuel has long been the backbone of air travel, but it is also one of the major contributors to carbon emissions. The global aviation industry accounts for around 2-3% of all CO₂ emissions, and with air travel only expected to grow in the coming decades, the need for sustainable alternatives is not just urgent; it’s unavoidable.
This is where hydrogen enters the frame. Not as a futuristic fantasy but as a real, developing solution that airlines and aircraft manufacturers are seriously investing in. From major players like Airbus and Boeing to startups and fuel tech firms, the interest in hydrogen-powered planes is growing. But what’s driving this shift? And more importantly, how realistic is hydrogen as a viable path forward for clean aviation?
A Cleaner Way to Fly
The biggest reason airlines are showing interest in hydrogen is its clean-burning nature. When hydrogen is used in fuel cells, it produces electricity with only water vapour and heat as by-products: no CO₂, no particulates and no greenhouse gases. Compared to conventional jet fuel, which releases significant amounts of CO₂, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants, hydrogen offers a way to dramatically cut emissions.
There are two primary ways hydrogen can be used to power aircraft: through combustion (burning hydrogen in modified jet engines) and through fuel cells (where hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity). Both methods are being explored, with some companies focusing on fuel cell propulsion for smaller aircraft, while others are developing hydrogen combustion engines for larger, long-haul flights.
Why Hydrogen Over Other Alternatives?
Airlines have tested several sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) made from biomass, waste oils and synthetic processes. While SAFs are helpful and can reduce emissions, they still release CO₂ upon combustion, just less than conventional fuel. Additionally, the production of SAFs remains expensive, and availability is limited.
Electric battery-powered planes have also drawn attention, especially for short-haul flights. However, current battery technology struggles with weight and energy density, making it difficult to power large aircraft over long distances.
Hydrogen, in contrast, has three times more energy per kilogram than conventional jet fuel and significantly more than lithium-ion batteries. It holds promise not only for cutting emissions but also for maintaining the performance and range that commercial aviation requires.
Backed by Big Names and Serious Investments
Airbus is at the forefront of this hydrogen push. The company unveiled its ZEROe program, aiming to launch the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. They’ve proposed three concept designs: a turboprop, a turbofan and a blended-wing body aircraft, all powered by hydrogen. Airbus believes that hydrogen has the potential to reduce aviation’s CO₂ emissions by up to 50%.
In the United States, Boeing is exploring hydrogen technologies through partnerships and research initiatives, although it’s currently more focused on SAFs. British company ZeroAvia has already conducted successful test flights with hydrogen fuel cell planes and plans to commercialise hydrogen-powered flights on regional routes within the next few years.
Governments are also playing a key role. The European Union has included hydrogen aviation in its Horizon Europe program, while countries like France and Germany are funding hydrogen research and infrastructure. India, too, has shown interest, with government bodies exploring hydrogen’s potential across sectors, including transport and aviation.
Challenges on the Runway
Despite the optimism, hydrogen aviation is not without hurdles. The biggest challenge is storage. Hydrogen has a low energy density by volume, which means it needs to be stored either as a highly compressed gas or as a cryogenic liquid at extremely low temperatures. Both methods require bulky, heavy tanks, which affect aircraft design and efficiency.
Airports, too, will need to be reimagined. Refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen does not yet exist at scale. Ground staff would need new training, safety protocols must be revised and new supply chains must be developed to deliver green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, to airports.
Another concern is cost. Green hydrogen is currently expensive to produce, especially compared to fossil fuels. However, prices are expected to fall as renewable energy becomes cheaper and electrolysis technology improves.
Why Are Airlines Still Betting on It?
Airlines are well aware of these challenges. But they also recognise that doing nothing is no longer an option. Regulatory pressure is mounting. Passengers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Carbon taxes and emission-related penalties are rising.
Investing in hydrogen is not just a climate strategy; it’s a future-proof move. Airlines that start today will be better positioned tomorrow when regulations tighten and customer expectations shift. Many see hydrogen as a long-term solution that aligns with global decarbonisation goals and offers the potential for true zero-emission flight.
Moreover, the transition to hydrogen aviation can also stimulate jobs, drive research and strengthen energy security. Countries that lead in hydrogen tech will have a competitive edge in the next generation of aviation.
A Long Flight Path, But a Worthwhile One
Hydrogen-powered planes may not replace conventional jets overnight. The transition will take time, money and international cooperation. However, the direction is clear: for aviation to remain viable in a carbon-constrained world, it must embrace cleaner fuels and innovative technologies.
Hydrogen is not a silver bullet, but it offers a credible and exciting way forward. Airlines betting big on hydrogen are not simply chasing trends. They’re preparing for a future where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity.
