Airbus and MTU Aero Engines form joint venture to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion systems

Type: Partnership · Technology: Hydrogen · Country: Germany · Announced: 2026-07-09

Aerospace manufacturer Airbus and aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines announced the formation of a joint venture to accelerate the development, testing, certification, and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell-based propulsion systems for commercial aircraft. Airbus will contribute its expertise in commercial aircraft programs, fuel cell propulsion, and liquid hydrogen systems, while MTU will provide its multi-year fuel cell technology development, engine design, integration, validation, certification, and maintenance capabilities. The collaboration aims to create a European center of excellence for hydrogen-powered aviation technologies, addressing the industry's 2-3% share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Airbus has committed to developing a commercially viable hydrogen aircraft under its ZEROe program, initially targeting a 2035 launch, though the timeline has been adjusted due to slower-than-expected progress in hydrogen ecosystem development. MTU has already achieved key milestones, including completing the design of its Flying Fuel Cell demonstrator, beginning stack manufacturing, and launching its first fuel cell test facility in Munich.

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