Airbus and MTU Aero Engines Joint Venture for Hydrogen‑Fuel‑Cell Aircraft Engine
Airbus (EPA:AIR) and MTU Aero Engines (ETR:MTX) announced a non‑binding agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) that will develop and commercialise a fully electric hydrogen fuel‑cell propulsion system for aircraft. The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
The JV will concentrate on technology development, design, testing and certification of a hydrogen fuel‑cell‑based engine. Both Airbus and MTU will contribute engineering and manufacturing teams, combining Airbus’s commercial aircraft programme knowledge and liquid‑hydrogen expertise with MTU’s fuel‑cell technology development and engine certification capabilities.
The partnership remains subject to the receipt of European and national regulatory approvals as well as the completion of required social processes. Operational launch of the joint venture is targeted for 2027.
Executive comments
- Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus, described the venture as “the next logical step in our shared vision of a hydrogen‑based propulsion concept for aviation.”
- Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior Vice‑President Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, said the project aims to create “a safe, reliable and economical propulsion system that will contribute to climate‑neutral aviation.”
Both companies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development of a hydrogen aviation economy and the associated regulatory framework.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor.