Global major aerospace group Airbus and German engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines have announced the creation of a joint venture (JV) focused on the development and commercialisation of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine. This is an outcome of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies at the 2025 Paris Air Show. The agreement is non-binding and is subject to the standard European and national regulatory approvals and social processes. The JV is expected to commence operations next year.
Hydrogen has the potential to greatly reduce aviation’s climate impact over the long term. It could transform aviation in a manner analogous to the impact of electric vehicles on road transport. In aviation, hydrogen fuel cells would produce electricity which would power electric motors that would drive aircraft propellors.
“Our planned [JV] is the next logical step in our shared vision of a hydrogen-based propulsion concept for aviation,” explained Airbus head of future programmes Bruno Fichefeux. “By pooling our respective technology and expertise into a dedicated entity, we are establishing a European powerhouse capable of transforming advanced research into industrialised, certifiable electric propulsion systems. This new company will help secure strategic sovereignty in the next generation of aviation technologies while strengthening our ability to achieve the long-term ZEROe ambition."
