Beyond Aero refines its hydrogen-electric light jet

Beyond Aero, a pioneer in hydrogen-electric aviation, has unveiled a refined concept for its light jet, incorporating key engineering advancements validated by industry experts. These refinements mark a step toward certification and commercialization, reinforcing Beyond Aero’s position to deliver a certified hydrogen-electric light jet by 2030.

Since introducing the initial concept in June 2023, Beyond Aero has made refinements to derisk a hydrogen powerplant and accelerate certification and industrialization. The BYA-1 is the first electric light jet designed for hydrogen propulsion, featuring a clean-sheet architecture optimized for gaseous hydrogen. Key design enhancements include:

Battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with built-in redundancy: The modular architecture, featuring two electric engines powered by independent powerplant channels, enhances failure resilience and scalability while exceeding industry safety standards. The fuel cell stack capacity has been increased to 2.4MW.

Optimized gaseous hydrogen tank placement for enhanced safety: The 700-bar fuel tanks are integrated above the wing box structure, improving crashworthiness. By eliminating high-pressure fuel lines inside the pressurized cabin, this design minimizes risk and aligns with aerospace safety protocols.

Advanced thermal management system for electric ducted fans: Integrated electric ducted fans (EDF) optimize propulsion efficiency and performance under extreme conditions. A custom-designed Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) ensures precise performance across all flight phases. This system will be certified under a TC Engine framework for a new benchmark in electric propulsion.

Beyond Aero

These engineering decisions should also result in significantly lower maintenance and operational costs. The BYA-I light jet benefits from a simplified all-electric powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for a high-temperature turbine and proposes a modular engine swap system for streamlined overhaul. This design lowers maintenance complexity, cutting operational costs estimated to be up to 55% while ensuring higher reliability for business jet operators. Hydrogen fuel is expected to cut fuel costs by 65% vs. Power-to-Liquid SAFs by 2025 and 17% vs. Jet A-1 by 2030, offering a cost-efficient option for corporate clients and operators transitioning to lower-carbon aviation.

To validate the program’s feasibility and accelerate certification, Beyond Aero has assembled an expert advisory committee composed of top executives and engineers from leading aerospace firms and aviation stakeholders. This committee has confirmed the technical viability of the refined aircraft, emphasizing its readiness for certification and market adoption.

Expert advisory committee members:

• Stéphane Mayer – Former CEO, EADS Socata, ATR, Daher, Nexter
• Bernard Attali – Former Chairman, Air France, IATA
• Erik Carlson – Aerospace Consultant, Former Technical Director, Stress & Structural Design, HondaJet
• Dominique Roland – Aerospace Consultant, Former Head of General Aviation, EASA
• Augustin de Romanet – Former Chairman & CEO, Groupe ADP
• Alain Tropis – Aerospace Consultant, Former Senior Vice President, Airbus/Stelia
• Jean-Paul Vaunois – Chief Engineer, Hermes Spacecraft, NASA CRV X38 European contribution, A400M, Guanyi GA20
• Thierry de Poncins – Former Sales Director, Dassault

Beyond Aero’s aircraft plans to set a new standard for sustainable business aviation, catering to a market already in demand for low-carbon alternatives. With a range of 800nm plus NBAA reserves at 310KTAS in a six-passenger configuration, the BYA-1 meets over 80% of current European flight routes. The aircraft is designed for operational flexibility, with a takeoff ground roll of just 620m and an approach angle of 5.5°, making it suitable for constrained airports such as London City.

The passenger experience will also be enhanced. The elliptical windows are 27% larger than those found in conventional business jets, maximizing natural light and panoramic views. Additionally, low-noise electric propulsion and advanced acoustic insulation can reduce cabin noise by 15dB(A), cutting perceived noise levels by more than half compared to competitors, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable flight.

Beyond Aero is actively working with EASA on regulatory approvals, ensuring its aircraft meets stringent safety and certification standards. Since submitting its Design Organization Approval (DOA) application in April 2024, Beyond Aero has progressed through EASA’s Pre-Application Services, and is currently defining a certification framework for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

“Beyond Aero is setting the precedent for hydrogen-electric certification,” said Walter Filho, head of certification. “Working closely with EASA, we are shaping regulatory pathways that will enable the safe and efficient adoption of hydrogen propulsion in aviation.” With CS-23 regulations not yet accounting for hydrogen-powered aircraft, Beyond Aero is collaborating with EASA to establish a special condition tailored to its technology.

Beyond Aero is building the first electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen propulsion, enabling six passengers to fly up to 800nm (1,500km) – five times farther than a battery-powered aircraft. Founded in December 2020, the company is redesigning the architecture of a CS23 aircraft around hydrogen-electric propulsion, focusing on fuel cell technology, gaseous hydrogen tank integration, and advanced cooling systems. With offices in Toulouse, Paris, and Los Angeles, the startup boasts a team of over 70 highly qualified engineers from leading aerospace companies, actively recruiting 30 more.

Beyond Aero has secured over $44 million in funding, backed by investors and secured $914 million in Letters of Intent for 108 aircraft and recently completed France's first manned, fully hydrogen-electric flight.