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 the global aviation industry's 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal is at risk, citing a lack of regulatory framework and clean hydrogen production infrastructure.
Airbus has scaled back its ZeroE hydrogen aircraft program, delaying development timelines and pausing its electric air taxi project, favoring a more "evolutionary" approach for its next commercial jet.
Despite these adjustments and a revised industry outlook on hydrogen's immediate potential, Airbus maintains its commitment to the net-zero goal, recognizing climate change as a significant business risk.
The company is collaborating with the Solar Impulse Foundation to explore climate challenges and supports a hydrogen-powered, nonstop around-the-world flight planned for 2028.

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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.”