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Airbus to Form Hydrogen Engine Joint Venture

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

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

  • Airbus is intensifying its commitment to hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, forming a joint venture with MTU Aero Engines.
  • The new company aims to develop a fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engine, with operations expected to begin in 2027, to eliminate in-flight emissions.
  • This move contrasts with rival Boeing's approach and comes amid broader struggles and setbacks for other developers in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sector.
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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.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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