The push to develop hydrogen-powered planes was once a key part of the aviation industry’s bid to eliminate carbon emissions. But in the last few weeks, it has fallen suddenly and dramatically out of favour.
First, European airlines and manufacturers drastically downgraded their target for the contribution of hydrogen to their goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Then, Airbus, the world’s biggest plane maker, put the industry’s most advanced programme for developing a hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft on hold.
