Airbus and MTU Aero Engines Establish Joint Venture for Hydrogen Engine
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines announced on July 7, 2026, their intention to create a joint venture dedicated to the development and commercialization of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine for aviation. This new entity will operate from 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
A Collaboration to Accelerate Hydrogen Propulsion
The two partners are building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2025 at the Paris Air Show to deepen their collaboration. The joint venture will be structured as a dedicated, agile entity, supported by the engineering and manufacturing skills and teams of both organizations. This partnership aims to accelerate the technological development, design, testing, and certification of a revolutionary hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for aviation.
Complementary Expertise and Long-term Goals
Airbus brings its knowledge of commercial aircraft programs, expertise in fuel cell propulsion, and liquid hydrogen. MTU Aero Engines contributes its years of experience in fuel cell technology development, as well as its recognized skills in engine design, integration, validation, certification, and maintenance. Beyond engine technologies, both partners intend to promote the emergence of a hydrogen aviation economy and the associated regulatory framework, essential conditions for the large-scale takeoff of hydrogen-powered flights.
Conditions and Implementation Timeline
This non-binding agreement remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and the completion of social procedures at European and national levels. The new joint venture is expected to begin its operations in 2027. Hydrogen is positioned as a key vector to significantly reduce the long-term climate impact of aviation and to transform air transport in a way comparable to the impact of electric vehicles in the automotive sector.
