Zero-emission Airbus A320 to be developed in France

France has announced that it plans to invest €15 billion into its aerospace industry over the coming years with one of the leading projects being the development of an Airbus A320 successor.

A statement by the French government said the production of this new jet will be a greener aircraft on the basis of the A320. There will also be the development of a new highly-efficient regional aircraft which will also be among the top programmes.

The new successor to the A320 will be produced with a special focus on environmental features. It will have 30% improved fuel capacity and be capable of flying using only biofuel. The long-term goal is for the aircraft to eventually fly using zero-emission hydrogen-based technology.

The first prototype is expected to be produced between 2026-2028 and enter commercial service in 2033.

“Airbus will continue its leading role in the mission to present the first “zero mission” commercial aircraft by 2035,” stated Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus.