Airbus CEO: Aviation Net Zero by 2050 Goals May Be at Risk

Manufacturer recently delayed plans to build hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft and eVTOL air taxis.

Jack Daleo

Monday, March 24, 2025 at 04:21 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

A digital rendering depicts one of Airbus’ ZeroE concept aircraft flying over Houston. [Courtesy: Airbus]

Key Takeaways:

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury admitted that the aviation industry's 2050 net-zero emissions goal is in jeopardy and likely to take longer due to the absence of regulatory frameworks and adequate clean hydrogen production.
In response to these challenges, Airbus has scaled back its ambitious ZeroE hydrogen aircraft program, delaying test flights and the projected timeline for hydrogen-powered commercial models.
Despite these setbacks and a broader industry reevaluation of hydrogen's immediate widespread viability, Airbus reaffirms its long-term commitment to net-zero, citing climate change as a significant business risk and continuing innovation efforts.

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Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury on Monday admitted that the global aviation industry’s goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050 may be in jeopardy, Bloomberg News reported.

“I don’t think we are wrong to pursue net zero by 2050,” Faury said during the third annual Airbus Summit, a sustainability-focused event at the company’s headquarters in Toulouse, France. “Maybe it’s going to take a bit more time, but let’s not be shy in the ambition.”