Airbus to Form Hydrogen Engine Joint Venture

Manufacturer deepens commitment to hydrogen-based propulsion for commercial aircraft.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, July 07, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines shared this concept image of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine mounted on an aircraft. [Credit: MTU Aero Engines]

Key Takeaways:

Airbus is forming a joint venture with MTU Aero Engines to accelerate the development of fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engines for commercial aircraft.
The partnership aims to create a dedicated organization focused on developing, testing, and certifying a system designed to eliminate in-flight emissions, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
This move solidifies Airbus's commitment to hydrogen propulsion amidst struggles for other sustainable aviation developers and contrasts with its main rival, Boeing, which has not committed to integrating hydrogen technology.

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As developers of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft experience growing pains, Airbus is doubling down on its ambition to produce a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.

The European manufacturer on Tuesday revealed its plans to form a joint venture with Germany’s MTU Aero Engines, which per its website claims its engine technology is found on one-third of the world’s commercial aircraft. The new company will aim to develop a fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engine, with the objective of providing the first such system for a commercial aircraft.