Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft
Airbus & MTU Have Formed a Venture for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Aviation
Adam Harrie — July 9, 2026
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines announced plans to form a joint venture to develop a fully electric hydrogen fuel-cell aviation propulsion system, building on the memorandum of understanding signed at the 2025 Paris Air Show. The new company, expected to begin operations in 2027, will combine Airbus' expertise in commercial aircraft and liquid hydrogen with MTU's fuel-cell technology development and engine certification capabilities.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor while eliminating in-flight CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions. MTU has already finalized the design of its 'Flying Fuel Cell' demonstrator.
The partnership shows how hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion is gaining momentum as the aviation industry explores zero-emission alternatives for future aircraft.
