- Airbus and MTU Aero Engines plan a joint venture for hydrogen fuel cell engines.
- The agreement follows a memorandum signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
- Operations of the new entity are expected to start in 2027.
- The system generates electricity with only water vapour as a byproduct.
- The project combines expertise from both companies in fuel cell and aircraft technology.
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have agreed to establish a joint venture for the development of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine. The partners signed a memorandum of understanding at the Paris Air Show in June 2025 and aim to accelerate design, testing and certification of the propulsion system. The new entity receives support from engineering and manufacturing teams of both companies.
The joint venture targets a safe, reliable and economical system for commercial aircraft with operations scheduled to begin in 2027 subject to regulatory approvals. It combines Airbus expertise in commercial aircraft and liquid hydrogen with MTU knowledge in fuel cell technology, engine design and certification. The technology produces electricity through an electrochemical reaction that generates only water vapour.
Airbus focuses efforts on fuel cell propulsion following prototype testing while MTU advanced its Flying Fuel Cell design and conducted electric motor tests. The initiative supports the goal of net zero emissions in aviation by 2050 and fosters development of a hydrogen aviation economy.
Bruno Fichefeux shared “Our planned joint venture is the next logical step in our shared vision of a hydrogen-based propulsion concept for aviation.”
