Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a new agreement to accelerate the development of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for future commercial aircraft, reinforcing their commitment to zero-emission aviation. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a phased approach to maturing the technology and aligning development strategies between the two European aerospace companies.
The collaboration focuses on hydrogen fuel cell systems as a key component of next-generation electric aircraft under Airbus’ ZEROe programme, which aims to introduce a hydrogen-powered airliner by the mid-2030s. Although industry observers expect delays to that timeline, Airbus has already made progress, having developed a 1.2-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system that could support regional aircraft designs. A test flight of this system is tentatively scheduled for 2026.
The newly agreed roadmap begins with technological maturation through joint research and development, leveraging European initiatives like Clean Aviation. A second phase will align both companies’ research and technology (R&T) strategies in hydrogen propulsion. If technical milestones and commercial feasibility are met, the final phase may lead to the development of a full-scale, hydrogen-powered fuel cell propulsion system for commercial use.
“Our focus on fully electric fuel cell propulsion technology for future hydrogen-powered aircraft underscores our confidence and progress in this domain,” said Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus. “This partnership will allow us to pool our collective knowledge, accelerate the maturation of critical technologies, and ultimately deliver a revolutionary hydrogen-powered propulsion system for future commercial aircraft.”
MTU Aero Engines has also made progress through its Flying Fuel Cell programme, which includes completed stack manufacturing, successful e-motor tests, and the establishment of a hydrogen-specific test facility in Munich. MTU is also leading the Clean Aviation-backed HEROPS initiative, which aims to develop fuel cell-based propulsion systems for climate-neutral air transport.
“As a globally recognised engine expert, we are driven by the vision of a revolutionary propulsion concept that allows virtually emissions-free flight,” said Dr. Stefan Weber, SVP Engineering and Technology at MTU. “Partnering with Airbus opens up the possibility to jointly address both technology maturity and platform integration aspects.”
The renewed partnership marks a step forward in Europe’s broader aviation decarbonisation efforts, as both companies work toward a sustainable propulsion solution that combines the environmental benefits of hydrogen with the scalability required for commercial aviation.