LONDON – Airbus has today announced it will use a testbed A380 for the use of its ZEROe hydrogen concept, following a partnership signed with CFM International.

Such news comes ahead of the manufacturer’s plans to get hydrogen aircraft into service by 2035.

Commenting on the news was Sabine Klauke, Airbus’ Chief Technical Officer:

“This is the most significant step undertaken at Airbus to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts back in September 2020″.

“By leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to make progress on hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message that our industry is committed to making the zero-emission flight a reality.”

Also commenting on the news was Gael Meheust, President & CEO of CFM:

“Hydrogen combustion capability is one of the foundational technologies we are developing and maturing as part of the CFM RISE Program”.

“Bringing together the collective capabilities and experience of CFM, our parent companies, and Airbus, we really do have the dream team in place to successfully demonstrate a hydrogen propulsion system”.

The aircraft will have four liquid hydrogen tanks stored in a caudal position, with the combustion engine to be located along the rear fuselage.

In all, this is good news for the A380 testbed as they will continue to have some use going into the future.