Airbus and MTU Aero Engines to Create Joint Venture to Develop Electric Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engine
- Avaitors Maldives
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have announced plans to create a new joint venture dedicated to developing and commercializing a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine, marking one of Europe’s most significant steps toward zero‑emission aviation.
The initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, and represents a major acceleration in both companies’ shared ambition to bring hydrogen propulsion to commercial aircraft.
The joint venture will establish a highly agile organisation focused on fast‑tracking technology development, design, testing and certification of a revolutionary fuel‑cell‑based propulsion system. Engineering and manufacturing teams from both Airbus and MTU will support the new entity.
The agreement remains non‑binding and is subject to standard regulatory approvals and social processes at European and national levels. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.
Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus, said the partnership represents the “next logical step” in the companies’ hydrogen vision:
“By pooling our respective technology and expertise into a dedicated entity, we are establishing a European powerhouse capable of transforming advanced research into industrialized, certifiable electric propulsion systems.”
He added that the venture strengthens Europe’s strategic sovereignty in next‑generation aviation technologies and supports Airbus’ long‑term ZEROe ambition.
Dr. Stefan Weber, SVP Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, emphasised the project’s role in climate‑neutral aviation:
“Our ambitious goal is to pave the way for a newly developed, safe, reliable and economical propulsion system that will contribute to climate-neutral aviation.”
He said the new company will cover the entire life cycle of fuel cell powertrains from development and testing to certification and commercialisation.
Hydrogen is widely viewed as a transformative technology capable of dramatically reducing aviation’s climate impact. Airbus and MTU believe hydrogen propulsion could reshape air transport in a way comparable to how electric vehicles reshaped the automotive sector.