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

Verified

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 intensifying its focus on hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by forming a joint venture with MTU Aero Engines.
The partnership aims to develop the first fully electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered engine for commercial aviation, with operations expected to commence in 2027.
Airbus believes hydrogen propulsion will eliminate in-flight emissions, contrasting with struggles faced by other sustainable aviation propulsion developers.
The company has committed to a hydrogen fuel cell architecture, aiming for integrated ground testing of its four-engine concept by 2027.

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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.