Airbus and MTU join forces on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for clean aviation

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Paris Air Show to advance hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology for commercial aircraft, marking a major step toward zero-emission aviation.

The agreement outlines a three-phase roadmap to develop a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine. Initially, the two companies will collaborate on maturing core technologies through joint R&D projects, including those under the EU’s Clean Aviation initiative. The second phase will involve aligning their research and technology roadmaps, and the third phase could lead to full-scale development of a hydrogen fuel-cell engine for future aircraft.

Airbus, through its ZEROe project, is focusing on fully electric propulsion via hydrogen fuel cells, while MTU brings deep expertise from its Flying Fuel Cell programme. Together, they aim to tackle both technology maturity and integration challenges, leveraging their complementary strengths.

Bruno Fichefeux, Airbus Head of Future Programmes, stated the partnership will “accelerate the maturation of critical technologies” and help deliver a revolutionary hydrogen-powered propulsion system. MTU’s Dr. Stefan Weber added that the collaboration supports their goal of achieving virtually emissions-free flight through the complete electrification of aircraft powertrains.

This partnership signals increasing momentum behind hydrogen as a key enabler for sustainable aviation.