Aviation joint venture to develop electric hydrogen fuel cell engine
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines aim to accelerate design, testing and certification of a new propulsion system.
Hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine mounted on an aircraft
© MTU 2026This non-binding agreement is subject to standard regulatory approvals and the completion of social processes at European and national levels. The joint venture is expected to start operations in 2027.
Dr Stefan Weber, SVP Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, says 'This project is a crucial milestone on our path to the first hydrogen-powered engine – and this is true European technology leadership. To that end, we want to create a company that covers the entire life-cycle of fuel cell powertrains – from development and testing through certification to commercialisation.'
The joint venture is driven by the partners’ shared ambition to provide the first hydrogen-based fuel cell propulsion system to a commercial aircraft.
Beyond the engine technologies, Airbus and MTU say they will continue to foster the emergence of a hydrogen aviation economy and the associated regulatory framework, which are also critical enablers to the advent of hydrogen-powered flight at scale.
