The HEROPS (Hydrogen-Electric Zero Emission Propulsion System) project, led by chief engineer Dr Dominik Wirth, has reached a significant milestone in the development of a megawatt-class powertrain for regional aircraft. The project, launched in early 2024, aims to create a climate-neutral, hydrogen-powered electric powertrain based on MTU's Flying Fuel Cell, set to be integrated into regional aircraft by 2035. The design phase has been successfully concluded, with plans to finalize the design by the end of the year. Next steps involve experimental validation through component tests and wind tunnel evaluations. A 1.2-megawatt ground demonstrator is currently under construction in Munich for functional and performance testing. HEROPS is a part of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, a partnership between the European Commission and the aviation industry. Maria Calvo, head of Project Management Unit, emphasizes the importance of advancing hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for achieving climate-neutral aviation goals outlined in the European Green Deal. The consortium behind HEROPS includes industry partners like MTU Aero Engines, MT Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik, and research collaborators such as the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre and the Vienna University of Technology. The project aims to pave the way for sustainable regional aircraft through innovative hydrogen-powered technology.