ChatGPT generated panoramic image of a narrow-bodied 200 pax passenger jet labeled H2 sitting in a field covered in dust, rust and pigeon droppings

The Great Hydrogen Jet Fade-Out

Europe’s roadmap cuts expectations by 70%. Next up: reality cuts the rest

Hydrogen’s hoped for role in aviation dates back to the mid-20th century, when researchers began exploring its potential as an alternative to conventional jet fuel. In 1957, engineers at Lockheed and Boeing investigated hydrogen propulsion as part of Cold War efforts to develop high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. In 1959, a modified Martin B-57 Canberra successfully flew with one engine running on liquid hydrogen. In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union flew the Tupolev Tu-155, a modified Tu-154 airliner that became the first jet aircraft to fly solely using liquid hydrogen.

Following the Cold War, interest in hydrogen aviation waned as jet fuel remained inexpensive and dominant. However, growing concerns over climate change and carbon emissions reignited research into hydrogen propulsion in the 2000s. Boeing made headlines in 2008 with the first successful flight of a small aircraft powered entirely by a hydrogen fuel cell. In the 2010s, European aerospace leaders, including Airbus, began seriously exploring hydrogen as a long-term solution, culminating in the 2020 unveiling of Airbus’ ZEROe concept — three hydrogen-powered aircraft designs aimed at commercial service by 2035. Meanwhile, startups such as ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen were…