A Zero Carbon Emission Plane Is in the Works

A hydrogen-powered and zero-carbon-emission aircraft is being developed by a team of engineers affiliated with the Aerospace Technology Institute, United Kingdom, thus reducing the impact international travel has on global warming.

“At a time of global focus on tackling climate change our midsize concept sets out a truly revolutionary vision for the future of global air travel keeping families, businesses, and nations connected without the carbon footprint,” says Chris Gear, FlyZero project director.  “This new dawn for aviation brings with it real opportunities for the UK aerospace sector to secure market share, highly skilled jobs, and inward investment while helping to meet the UK’s commitments to fight climate change.” 

The FlyZero project will use liquid hydrogen, a fuel that produces more energy than kerosene without releasing CO₂ when used. Weighing around one-third of kerosene for the same flight journey, liquid hydrogen will be cryogenically-stored in the rear and in the front of the aircraft rather than in the wings, eliminating the need for extra aerodynamic structures to keep the plane aloft. The first flights are expected to take off around the mid-2030s.