In 2025, as the aviation industry races to meet the European Union’s 2050 net-zero emissions mandate, a landmark collaboration between Airbus and MTU Aero Engines has emerged as a defining step toward decarbonization. Their joint announcement of a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion roadmap—targeting commercial viability by 2035—signals a shift from experimental hydrogen tech to actionable, scalable solutions for short-haul aircraft. For an industry long reliant on jet fuel, this partnership isn’t just a technical endeavor; it’s a blueprint for reimagining air travel’s environmental footprint.

The collaboration leverages each firm’s core strengths: Airbus brings expertise in aircraft integration and aerodynamics, while MTU focuses on developing high-performance fuel cell systems tailored for aviation. At the heart of their roadmap is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) design, chosen for its high power density and ability to operate at the low temperatures encountered during flight. Unlike hydrogen combustion (which still produces trace nitrogen oxides), PEMFCs generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor—a critical advantage for meeting strict emissions standards. MTU’s initial prototype, unveiled in Q3 2025, delivers 50 kilonewtons of thrust (enough to power a regional aircraft) with a 65% efficiency rate—far exceeding the 35–40% efficiency of traditional jet engines. “This isn’t just about replacing fuel; it’s about redefining how aircraft generate power,” says Dr. Jörg Feustel-Büechl, MTU’s Chief Technology Officer, noting the system’s modular design allows scaling for larger aircraft.

The roadmap unfolds in three phases, each with clear milestones to de-risk deployment. By 2027, the partners aim to integrate the fuel cell system into a modified Airbus A320neo testbed, focusing on ground-based power and taxiing trials. Phase two (2028–2030) will expand to short test flights—initially with 30-minute hops, then extending to 90-minute regional routes—while refining hydrogen storage: Airbus is developing a cryogenic liquid hydrogen tank (capable of keeping hydrogen at -253°C) that reduces weight by 15% compared to current gaseous storage systems. The final phase (2031–2035) will involve certification and commercial launch, targeting 70–100 seat regional aircraft (like Airbus’ proposed H235) that can fly 1,000 kilometers—covering routes such as Paris to London or Berlin to Madrid—with 80% lower emissions than today’s jet-fueled planes.

A key priority is integrating “green hydrogen” into the supply chain—critical to avoiding indirect carbon emissions from fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen. In 2025, the partners signed a memorandum of understanding with Norwegian green hydrogen producer Nel ASA to secure a dedicated supply of renewable hydrogen, produced using wind power from Norway’s North Sea facilities. This collaboration also addresses cost: green hydrogen currently costs around five United States dollars per kilogram, but economies of scale from dedicated aviation supply chains are expected to cut this to two United States dollars per kilogram by 2030—making hydrogen fuel cells cost-competitive with jet fuel for short-haul flights.

Challenges remain, particularly around infrastructure. Airport hydrogen refueling stations are scarce: as of 2025, only 12 European airports have operational facilities. To solve this, Airbus and MTU are partnering with airport operators (including Frankfurt and Amsterdam Schiphol) to build 50 dedicated hydrogen refueling hubs by 2032, with an initial investment of one hundred fifty million United States dollars. Another hurdle is fuel cell durability; aviation requires systems that can withstand 30,000 flight cycles, and MTU’s current prototype is rated for 10,000—though material upgrades (using titanium-alloy bipolar plates) are expected to close this gap by 2029.

As 2025 progresses, the Airbus-MTU partnership stands out as a model for industry collaboration in decarbonization. Their 2035 roadmap isn’t just a technical plan—it’s a commitment to making sustainable air travel accessible, not just for future generations, but for today’s travelers. For a sector under growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, this collaboration proves that hydrogen fuel cells aren’t a distant dream—they’re a 2035 reality in the making.

（Writer：Dick）