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, set to begin operations in 2027, to develop the first fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engine for commercial aircraft.
This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and certification of hydrogen-based propulsion systems, leveraging MTU's expertise to create a solution that eliminates in-flight emissions by producing only water vapor.
Airbus's strong commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology for its "ZeroE" concept contrasts with rival Boeing's approach and comes amidst broader struggles for other sustainable aviation propulsion developers.

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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.