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 doubling down on its commitment to hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by forming a joint venture with MTU Aero Engines, aiming to develop the first fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engine for commercial aviation.
The new company, expected to begin operations in 2027, seeks to accelerate the development and certification of a fuel cell system to eliminate in-flight emissions, producing only water vapor.
This strategic focus by Airbus contrasts with its rival Boeing's lack of commitment to hydrogen and comes amid significant struggles and setbacks for other developers of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion systems.

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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.