Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have entered into a partnership to further develop hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 55th Paris Airshow, with Bruno Fichefeux, Airbus’ Head of Future Programmes, and Dr Stefan Weber, MTU’s Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, formalizing the agreement.
This collaboration combines the strengths of Airbus, a leader in hydrogen-powered aviation through its ZEROe initiative, and MTU Aero Engines, a renowned expert in aircraft engines for both commercial and military sectors. The partnership is a response to Airbus’ decision to focus its efforts on creating a fully electric, hydrogen-powered aircraft, powered by a fuel cell engine—a field in which MTU has developed substantial expertise through its Flying Fuel Cell concept.
The agreement sets out a structured, three-phase approach to developing a fuel cell engine that could one day power commercial aircraft. The first phase will focus on advancing the core technologies needed for the engine, through joint research initiatives such as Clean Aviation. The second phase will align the research and technology roadmaps of both companies in the field of hydrogen propulsion. In the final phase, the two partners will look to build on these shared discoveries to create a fuel cell engine designed for a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.
Bruno Fichefeux, Airbus’ Head of Future Programmes, shared, “Our focus on hydrogen-powered, fully electric fuel cell propulsion systems reflects our confidence in this technology’s future. Collaborating with MTU, a leader in engine innovation, will allow us to fast-track the development of the technologies that will be essential for next-generation hydrogen-powered aircraft.”
Dr Stefan Weber, SVP of Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, added, “As an established leader in engine manufacturing, MTU is driven by the vision of achieving near-emissions-free flight. Our partnership with Airbus opens up the opportunity to advance both the maturity of the technology and its integration into aircraft platforms. This collaboration is the first step toward potential future product development in the field of hydrogen-powered aviation.”
MTU Aero Engines is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of engines for both commercial and military aircraft. The company is known for its high-tech expertise in producing reliable and efficient engine components, as well as in the assembly and maintenance of complete engines and industrial turbines. With revenues of €7.5 billion in 2024, MTU Aero Engines supports one-third of the world’s commercial aircraft fleet and maintains thousands of engines annually. The company operates at 19 locations across five continents, employing over 13,000 people globally. MTU continues to invest in the growth of the aviation sector, ensuring its commitment to shaping the future of aviation technology.
