Airbus and MTU Aero Engines Launch Hydrogen Propulsion Venture

Farnborough Airshow 2026

Airbus and MTU Launch Hydrogen Propulsion Venture

New initiative focused on commercial applications for electric hydrogen fuel cell engines

Four-engine narrowbody digital rendering — A conceptual rendering detailing how hydrogen fuel cell propulsion could be used to power a clean-sheet narrowbody concept. © Airbus

July 10, 2026

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have established a joint venture dedicated to the development and commercialization of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine. The project—expected to start operations in 2027—aims to “cover the entire life cycle of fuel cell powertrains, from development and testing through certification to commercialization,” MTU announced this week.

According to Airbus, the joint venture intends to deliver the first hydrogen-based fuel cell propulsion system for a commercial airliner. It builds upon an agreement signed in June 2025, in which the parties explained that “joint efforts in the years to come are the first step in paving the way for a potential product development in the future.”

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