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 stated that the global aviation industry's 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal is "in jeopardy" and may take longer to achieve.
Airbus has scaled back its ambitious ZeroE hydrogen aircraft program, delaying commercial hydrogen flight plans due to the lack of regulatory frameworks and clean hydrogen production infrastructure.
This reflects a broader industry re-evaluation, with hydrogen's projected market share in future aviation being less dominant than previously anticipated.
Despite the setbacks, Airbus remains committed to the net-zero goal, viewing climate change as a business risk, and continues sustainability efforts, including a partnership for a hydrogen-powered global flight attempt in 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.”