Airbus, MTU Partner on Hydrogen Aircraft Propulsion

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a non-binding agreement to establish a joint venture focused on the development, certification and commercialization of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for commercial aircraft.

The planned partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two aerospace companies at the Paris Air Show in June 2025. According to the companies, the joint venture is expected to begin operations in 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and the completion of labor and social consultation processes at the national and European levels.

The venture will combine the technical expertise and engineering capabilities of both companies to manage the propulsion system throughout its life cycle. Airbus will contribute its expertise in commercial aircraft programs, fuel cell propulsion and liquid hydrogen technologies. MTU Aero Engines will provide its experience in fuel cell technology development, engine design, validation, integration, certification and maintenance.

"Our planned joint venture is the next logical step in our shared vision of a hydrogen-based propulsion system for aviation," said Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes, Airbus. "By combining our technologies and expertise within a dedicated company, we are creating a European leader capable of transforming advanced research into industrialized, certifiable electric propulsion systems. This new company will help strengthen Europe's strategic sovereignty in next-generation aviation technologies while supporting our long-term ZEROe ambition."

The technology generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. By eliminating in-flight carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, the partners aim to advance the development of climate-neutral commercial aviation.

"Our ambitious goal is to pave the way for a newly developed, safe, reliable and economically viable propulsion system that will contribute to climate-neutral aviation," said Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, MTU Aero Engines. "This project marks a crucial milestone on the path toward the first hydrogen-powered engine and demonstrates European technological leadership. We intend to establish a company that covers the entire life cycle of fuel cell powertrains, from development and testing to certification and commercialization."

The agreement follows several technical milestones achieved by both companies. In March 2025, Airbus shifted its hydrogen strategy toward fully electric fuel cell propulsion after advancing powertrain testing and cryogenic technology research. Meanwhile, MTU Aero Engines finalized the design of its Flying Fuel Cell architecture, began manufacturing fuel cell stacks for its system demonstrator, commissioned a new testing facility in Munich and completed the initial testing phase of its eMoSys electric motor.

Beyond engine development, the companies said they will continue collaborating with European authorities to establish the regulatory framework and supporting infrastructure required for a hydrogen-powered aviation ecosystem.