The company is making key technology choices early and still has massive challenges ahead: technological, regulatory and in convincing industry partners to participate.
An intermediate engine between the current LEAP turbofan and one that would enter service in 2035 with slashed greenhouse gas emissions is not in the cards, according to Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin.
Universal Hydrogen has selected MagniX to provide the electric propulsion system for its planned conversion of the de Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 regional turboprop to hydrogen fuel-cell power.
The French government has reiterated its desire to see a hydrogen-fueled Airbus flying in service by 2035, firmly reacting to those claiming the move is too risky.
France will focus on investing in hydrogen technology as part of a broader post-COVID-19 economic relaunch plan with the government planning to have a hydrogen-powered aircraft ready for 2035.
Air France has tested all-electric ramp-handling equipment for the first time ahead of an Airbus A350 flight from Paris to Delhi as part of broader sustainability efforts, which include making its ground operations carbon neutral by 2030.
The first of two aircraft fitted with a modular hybrid-electric propulsion system developed under a European research program is expected to fly in September.
Even as it begins deliveries of its first certified electric aircraft, Slovenia’s Pipistrel has begun accepting orders for a family of unmanned cargo aircraft.
To kick-start the market, startup Universal Hydrogen plans to convert ATR 42 and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 regional aircraft to hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to pump-prime demand.