Airbus and MTU to Form Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engine Joint Venture
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines plan to establish a joint venture to develop and commercialise a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine, strengthening Europe’s ambitions to bring zero-emission hydrogen-powered aircraft closer to commercial reality.
The proposed venture builds on the memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies at the 2025 Paris Air Show and is intended to accelerate the development, testing and certification of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for commercial aviation. Subject to regulatory approvals and employee consultation processes, the new company is expected to begin operations in 2027.
The partners will combine Airbus’ expertise in commercial aircraft development, hydrogen technologies and liquid hydrogen systems with MTU’s experience in fuel cell engineering, engine integration, certification and maintenance. The companies aim to create a dedicated organisation focused on transforming hydrogen propulsion research into commercially deployable aircraft engines.
The joint venture is expected to cover the full lifecycle of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, from research and development through testing, certification and eventual commercialisation. By bringing together engineering and manufacturing teams from both organisations, Airbus and MTU hope to accelerate the introduction of next-generation propulsion technologies capable of significantly reducing aviation’s environmental impact.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as a by-product. Unlike conventional jet engines, the technology produces no inflight carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions, making it one of the most promising long-term solutions for decarbonising commercial aviation.
The announcement follows recent progress by both companies in hydrogen propulsion development. Airbus confirmed earlier this year that it was concentrating its ZEROe research programme on fully electric fuel cell propulsion after successful prototype and powertrain testing demonstrated the technology’s viability. Meanwhile, MTU has advanced the design of its Flying Fuel Cell demonstrator, begun manufacturing fuel cell stacks, successfully tested its eMoSys electric motor and commissioned its first hydrogen fuel cell test facility in Munich.
Beyond engine development, Airbus and MTU said they will continue working to support the wider hydrogen aviation ecosystem, including the regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and supply chains needed to enable large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft. The collaboration reflects growing momentum across the aerospace industry as manufacturers seek alternative propulsion technologies capable of helping the sector achieve long-term net zero emissions targets.
