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Airbus and MTU Join Forces to Advance Hydrogen Propulsion

  • 26 Jun 2025

Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technologies—a critical step in aviation’s journey toward decarbonisation. The agreement was formalised on 18 June 2025 during the Paris Air Show.

The new collaboration builds on Airbus’ decision to prioritise research into a fully electric, hydrogen-powered aircraft using fuel cell propulsion while MTU brings to the table its recognised expertise in this area, developed through its “Flying Fuel Cell” concept.

Under the MoU, the two companies have outlined a three-phase roadmap.

  • Phase 1 will focus on maturing key technology building blocks via joint research initiatives, including projects under the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme.
  • Phase 2 involves aligning their respective research and technology roadmaps for hydrogen propulsion.
  • Phase 3 will study the results of previous joint research projects and explore the development of a commercial fuel cell engine for future hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Mr Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus, highlighted that the partnership with MTU will allow both parties to combine expertise, speed up technology development, and eventually create a revolutionary hydrogen-powered propulsion system for future commercial aircraft.

“Together, we are not just imagining a sustainable future of flight, we are actively pioneering it,” Mr Fichefeux said.

Sharing a similar view, Dr. Stefan Weber, SVP Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, noted that MTU is similarly “driven by the vision of a revolutionary propulsion concept that allows virtually emissions-free flight.”

“Partnering with Airbus opens up the possibility to jointly address both technology maturity and platform integration aspects. Our joint efforts in the years to come are the first step in paving the way for a potential product development in the future,” Dr Stefan added.

(From left to right) Dr. Stefan Weber, SVP Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines; Marie-Eve Rigollet, Head of Propulsion System Procurement at Airbus; Claudia Gaab, SVP Corporate Development and Strategy at MTU Aero Engines; Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus © MTU Aero Engines 2025

In March 2025, Airbus had previously announced its strategic focus on hydrogen fuel cell systems at the Airbus Summit, citing successful early tests on powertrain prototypes and progress in complementary cryogenic technologies.

Beyond aircraft technologies, Airbus will continue to foster the emergence of a hydrogen aviation economy and the associated regulatory framework to enable hydrogen-powered flight at scale.

MTU Aero Engines has also made significant strides in fuel cell development. It recently began manufacturing stacks for demonstrators, tested its eMoSys electric motor, and activated its first dedicated fuel cell test facility in Munich. MTU also leads HEROPS (Hydrogen-Electric Zero Emission Propulsion System), an EU-funded Clean Aviation project aimed at developing a hydrogen-electric zero-emission propulsion system.

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