MTU Aero Engines
German aircraft-engine manufacturer serving civil and military aviation through engine development, production, maintenance and support.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
MTU Aero Engines AG is a German aircraft-engine manufacturer headquartered in Munich. The company develops, manufactures and supports propulsion systems for both military and civil aircraft, and operates a substantial maintenance, repair and overhaul business. Its activities span engine design, component manufacturing, assembly, lifecycle support and participation in international risk-sharing programmes with aerospace companies in Europe and elsewhere. MTU traces its formal corporate origin to 1934, when BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH was separated from BMW. The separation occurred during Germany’s pre-war rearmament, and the company’s Allach site near Munich became a major aircraft-engine production location. During the Second World War, the plant produced BMW 801 engines for aircraft including the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Dornier Do 217. After the war, aircraft-engine production was suspended for roughly a decade while the site was used by the United States Army for vehicle and artillery repair. The company resumed engine development in the 1950s and initially built foreign engine designs under licence. Its work included production of the General Electric J79 turbojet for the German F-104 Starfighter fleet and Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprops used on aircraft such as the Breguet Atlantic and Transall C-160. These licensed-production programmes helped rebuild German aerospace-engine expertise and laid the foundation for later international partnerships. MTU’s modern identity was established in 1969, when Daimler-Benz and MAN combined their aircraft-engine and related activities in Motoren- und Turbinen-Union GmbH. MTU München focused on aircraft engines, while MTU Friedrichshafen concentrated on high-speed diesel engines and other gas-turbine activities. The aircraft-engine business subsequently became associated with Daimler-Benz’s aerospace interests and DASA. After DASA became part of EADS in 2000, MTU was separated from that group, sold to the private-equity firm KKR in 2003 and floated on the stock exchange in 2005. A defining feature of MTU’s business has been cooperation with other engine manufacturers. It held a major share in Turbo-Union, the consortium responsible for the RB199 turbofan used by the Panavia Tornado. It also became a partner in Eurojet Turbo, which manages the EJ200 engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon, and in MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce, created to develop and manufacture the MTR390 engine for the Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter. In the transport and military-airlift sector, MTU participates in Europrop International, the consortium responsible for the TP400-D6 turboprop used by the Airbus A400M Atlas. In civil aviation, MTU combines original development and manufacturing work with engine maintenance and component services. Its maintenance network supports engines operated by airlines and other aviation customers. In 2010, MTU Maintenance Hannover received regulatory approval from the FAA and EASA to perform maintenance on GE90-110B and GE90-115B engines, expanding its role in wide-body-engine support. The company has also developed an international footprint through facilities and operations in Europe, North America and Asia. MTU continued expanding its maintenance capacity during the 2010s and 2020s. In 2019 it announced plans for a new aircraft-engine repair facility near Belgrade in Serbia. In 2021, MTU Maintenance Canada moved into a larger facility in Richmond, British Columbia, consolidating its North American operations and creating additional capacity. MTU also entered a 50/50 agreement with Safran to establish a joint venture for the next-generation military engine intended for the Future Combat Air System. The company’s present positioning is therefore based on advanced propulsion technology, multinational programme participation and long-term engine lifecycle support rather than on consumer-facing aviation products.
History
MTU Aero Engines regards 1934 as the formal beginning of its modern corporate history, when BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH was separated from BMW. The separation was connected to Germany’s military rearmament programme and reduced the disclosure obligations and commercial risks associated with aircraft-engine production. BMW established a major plant at Allach near Munich in 1936. From 1940, the site produced BMW 801 engines, which powered aircraft including the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter and Dornier Do 217 bomber. Following Germany’s defeat in 1945, American forces occupied the Allach site and aircraft-engine production stopped. For approximately ten years the facility operated as a United States Army repair location for vehicles and artillery. BMW formally restarted aircraft-engine development on 22 January 1954. Once restrictions on German engine production were lifted, the company returned to manufacturing, initially concentrating on licensed versions of foreign designs. By 1959, BMW Triebwerkbau was producing General Electric J79-11A turbojets for the German Air Force’s Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft. During the 1960s, ownership and organisation changed repeatedly. MAN acquired half of BMW Triebwerkbau in 1960 and the remainder in 1965, after which the business was combined with MAN Turbomotoren to form MAN Turbo. The company also manufactured Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprops under licence for aircraft such as the Breguet Atlantic and C-160 Transall. In 1968, MAN Turbo and Daimler-Benz created a joint development company for turbine engines. That structure was replaced in July 1969 by Motoren- und Turbinen-Union, or MTU. The Munich unit handled aircraft engines, while the Friedrichshafen unit focused on diesel engines and other gas turbines. MTU quickly moved toward multinational risk-sharing programmes. In October 1969, MTU München joined Rolls-Royce and FiatAvio in Turbo-Union to develop and produce the RB199 military turbofan for the Panavia Tornado. MTU held 40 percent of the venture, with Rolls-Royce holding another 40 percent and FiatAvio holding the balance. In 1985, Daimler-Benz acquired MAN’s share and placed MTU within its aerospace subsidiary, DASA. The 1980s brought further major programmes. Eurojet Turbo was formed in 1986 by MTU, Rolls-Royce, Fiat and Sener to manage the EJ200 engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The programme incorporated digital engine control, engine-health monitoring, advanced turbine materials and a modular architecture. In 1989, MTU, Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce established MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce to develop the MTR390 turboshaft for the Tiger helicopter. MTU’s responsibilities included the combustor, high-pressure turbine and final assembly of the first production batch. MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg was established in 1991, reflecting the company’s growing emphasis on aftermarket services. In 2000, DASA joined other European aerospace companies to create EADS, but MTU was separated and remained under DaimlerChrysler. KKR acquired the company in 2003, and in 2005 it sold its shares through a public-market offering. MTU subsequently operated as an independent listed aerospace company. In 2002, MTU joined Safran Aircraft Engines, Rolls-Royce and Industria de Turbo Propulsores in Europrop International. The consortium was created to develop, manufacture, market and support the TP400-D6 turboprop for the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The programme became one of MTU’s significant military-airlift activities. The company expanded its civil maintenance business in the 2010s. In 2010, MTU Maintenance Hannover received FAA and EASA approval to perform maintenance on GE90-110B and GE90-115B engines. Its initial customers for that capability included Air New Zealand, V Australia and Southern Air. MTU also expanded its international network, with locations and activities in Germany, the United States, Canada, Poland, China and other markets. In 2019, MTU announced an agreement with Serbia concerning a new repair centre at Stara Pazova near Belgrade. The same year, MTU and Safran announced plans for an equally owned joint venture to manage a future military engine for the Future Combat Air System. In 2021, MTU Maintenance Canada moved into a larger facility, consolidating its Canadian maintenance work and providing additional room for growth. These developments illustrate the company’s continuing strategy of combining participation in major multinational propulsion programmes with a globally distributed aftermarket business.
- 2021
MTU Maintenance Canada expands its facility
[1]MTU Maintenance Canada moved into a larger facility and consolidated its operations.
- 2019
Serbian repair-centre plans are announced
[1]MTU announced plans for an aircraft-engine repair facility at Stara Pazova near Belgrade.
- 2019
Safran and MTU plan a Future Combat Air System engine venture
[1]The companies announced a 50/50 venture for development, production and support of the planned military engine.
- 2010
GE90 maintenance approval is granted
[1]MTU Maintenance Hannover received FAA and EASA approval to perform maintenance on GE90-110B and GE90-115B engines.
- 2005
MTU is listed on the stock exchange
[1]KKR sold its shares in MTU through a public-market offering.
- 2003
KKR acquires MTU
[1]The private-equity firm KKR purchased MTU from DaimlerChrysler.
- 2002
Europrop International is established
[1]MTU joined Safran Aircraft Engines, Rolls-Royce and Industria de Turbo Propulsores in the consortium responsible for the TP400-D6 turboprop.
- 1991
MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg is founded
[1]The company established a maintenance operation in Ludwigsfelde, strengthening its aftermarket network.
- 1989
MTR joint venture is established
[1]MTU, Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce formed MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce to develop the MTR390 engine for the Tiger helicopter.
- 1986
Eurojet Turbo is founded
[1]MTU joined Rolls-Royce, Fiat and Sener in Eurojet Turbo to manage the EJ200 engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Products and positioning
A technology-focused aerospace propulsion company combining engine development and component manufacturing with international risk-sharing partnerships and global maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.
Military turbofan engine · 1969
RB199
The RB199 is a military turbofan developed and produced through the Turbo-Union partnership between MTU, Rolls-Royce and FiatAvio. It was designed primarily for the Panavia Tornado, a European swing-wing multirole combat aircraft. MTU held a 40 percent stake in the programme and shared production responsibilities with its partners.
Military turbofan engine · 1986
EJ200
The EJ200 is the Eurofighter Typhoon’s propulsion system and is managed by Eurojet Turbo, a multinational consortium involving MTU, Rolls-Royce, Fiat and Sener. The engine uses digital control and monitoring, advanced turbine technology and a modular design intended to support high performance, operational flexibility and future upgrades.
Helicopter turboshaft engine · 1989
MTR390
The MTR390 was developed for the Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter by MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce. MTU’s responsibilities included the combustor, high-pressure turbine and final assembly of the first production batch, while the partner companies supplied other major engine systems.
Military turboprop engine · 2002
TP400-D6
The TP400-D6 is a large military turboprop developed by Europrop International for the Airbus A400M Atlas airlifter. MTU participates in the consortium alongside Safran Aircraft Engines, Rolls-Royce and Industria de Turbo Propulsores, contributing to the programme’s development, manufacturing and support activities.
Aviation maintenance services
Aircraft-engine maintenance and overhaul
MTU’s maintenance business provides repair, overhaul and lifecycle support for aircraft engines and components. Its network includes facilities in Germany and international locations. MTU Maintenance Hannover’s approval to service GE90-110B and GE90-115B engines expanded its capability in wide-body commercial aviation.
Brand decisions
2021
Expand MTU Maintenance CanadaStrategyBackground
MTU needed additional North American capacity for its maintenance operations.
Action taken
MTU Maintenance Canada moved into a larger facility and consolidated work under one roof.
Aftermath
The move created additional space for future growth, according to the supplied reference.
2019
Plan a Serbian aircraft-engine repair facilityStrategyBackground
MTU sought to expand its international maintenance and repair footprint.
Action taken
The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Serbia’s Economy Ministry concerning a facility in Stara Pazova near Belgrade.
Aftermath
The announcement identified Serbia as a planned centre for aircraft-engine repair, although the supplied reference does not provide later operating details.
2019
Create a 50/50 Future Combat Air System engine venture with SafranM&ABackground
MTU and Safran sought a joint structure for the next-generation military engine associated with the Future Combat Air System.
Action taken
The companies announced an equally owned joint venture covering engine development, production and after-sales support.
Aftermath
The agreement positioned MTU as a principal German industrial participant in the planned combat-air-system propulsion programme.
Recent events
- 2021
MTU Maintenance Canada moves into a larger facility[1]
Other
MTU Maintenance Canada moved its North American maintenance activity into a larger facility, consolidating operations and allowing room for future expansion.
- 2019
MTU and Safran agree to create a joint venture for a Future Combat Air System engine[1]
M&A · Other
MTU Aero Engines and Safran announced plans for an equally owned joint venture to manage development, production and aftermarket support for the military engine intended for the Future Combat Air System.
- 2019
MTU announces Serbia as a future aircraft-engine repair centre[1]
Other
MTU signed a memorandum of understanding with Serbia’s Economy Ministry concerning a new engine-repair facility in Stara Pazova near Belgrade.
Sources1 sources
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