Airbus and MTU Launch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engine JV 2027

Aviation Airbus and MTU Aero Engines: Joint Venture for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engines

2026-08-04 Source: Press release Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Airbus and MTU Aero Engines plan to establish a joint venture to develop and market a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine. The two companies are thus expanding their existing partnership.

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines plan to establish a joint venture for the development and marketing of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.(Source: Airbus) — Airbus and MTU Aero Engines plan to establish a joint venture for the development and marketing of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
(Source: Airbus)

At the Paris Air Show last June, Airbus and MTU Aero Engines announced their intention to establish a joint venture. Now those plans are taking shape.

With an agile organisational structure designed specifically for the joint venture, the partners aim to advance the technological development, design, testing, and certification of an aviation propulsion system based on a hydrogen fuel cell. The new company will be supported by Airbus and MTU, drawing on their full range of expertise, as well as by various development and manufacturing teams from both organisations.

Harnessing the Potential of Hydrogen

Hydrogen has the potential to play a crucial role in significantly reducing the climate impact of aviation over the long term and transforming the aviation industry in a way comparable to the impact of electric vehicles in the automotive sector. “Our planned joint venture is the next logical step in our shared vision of a hydrogen-based propulsion concept for aviation,” explains Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programs at Airbus. “By combining our respective technologies and expertise within a dedicated entity, we are creating a European powerhouse capable of translating cutting-edge research into industrialised, certifiable new propulsion systems. This company will help secure strategic autonomy in next-generation aviation technologies while strengthening our ability to achieve the long-term ZEROe goal,” he is certain. Dr. Stefan Weber, SVP of Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, adds: “This project is a crucial milestone on our path to the first hydrogen-powered engine—and that represents true European technological leadership. To this end, we intend to establish a company that covers the entire life cycle of fuel cell powertrains—from development through testing and certification to commercialisation.”

Kratos XQ 58A Valkyrie, a stealthy unmanned combat high subsonic UAV being integrated into European concepts for “loyal wingman” drones working alongside crewed jets, with Airbus as a key partner. (Source: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH)

Joint venture is set to launch in 2027

This agreement is subject to the usual regulatory approvals and the completion of operational procedures at the European and national levels. The new joint venture is expected to begin operations in 2027.

Beyond engine technologies, Airbus and MTU intend to continue working to establish a hydrogen aviation industry and to advance the associated regulatory framework, which is crucial for the large-scale introduction of hydrogen-powered air travel.

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