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 significant step toward certification and commercialisation, reinforcing Beyond Aero’s position as the leading manufacturer on track to deliver the first certified hydrogen-electric light jet by 2030.
Key engineering advancements and design drivers
Since introducing the initial concept at Le Bourget in June 2023, Beyond Aero has made critical refinements to derisk hydrogen powerplan 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.
- Optimised 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 pressurised cabin, this design minimises 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 FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) ensures precise performance across all flight phases. This system will be certified under a TC Engine framework, establishing a new benchmark in electric propulsion.
These engineering decisions 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 significantly lowers maintenance complexity, cutting operational costs by 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, making it a cost-efficient option for corporate clients and operators transitioning to lower-carbon aviation.
Industry endorsement strengthens market readiness
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, emphasising its readiness for certification and market adoption.
With its nice look, BYA-I a great mix of traditional design and innovation, perfect for the European market
Stéphane Mayer – Former CEO, EADS Socata, ATR, Daher, Nexter
Significantly more mature than the previous version, a lot of good work has been done by an experienced and qualified team. They have evaluated multiple configurations and unique constraints to produce a beautiful aircraft.
Erik Carlson – Aerospace Consultant, Former Technical Director, Stress & Structural Design, HondaJet
An aircraft that has proven to be a beautiful product, centered on safety and certification.
Dominique Roland – Aerospace Consultant, Former Head of General Aviation, EASA
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 sets a new standard for sustainable business aviation, catering to a market already in demand for low-carbon alternatives. With a range of 800 NM plus NBAA reserves at 310 KTAS 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 620 meters and an approach angle of 5.5°, making it suitable for constrained airports such as London City.
The passenger experience is also significantly 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 reduce cabin noise by 15 dB(A), cutting perceived noise levels by more than half compared to competitors, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable flight.
The passenger experience is also significantly 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 reduce cabin noise by 15 dB(A), cutting perceived noise levels by more than half compared to competitors, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable flight.
Advancing certification: a structured pathway to approval
Beyond Aero is actively working with EASA on regulatory approvals, ensuring its aircraft meets stringent safety and certification standards. Since submitting its Design Organisation 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 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.
About Beyond Aero
Beyond Aero is building the first electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen propulsion, enabling six passengers to fly up to 800 NM (1,500 km)—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 such as Giant Ventures, Bpifrance, and prior supporters like Initialized Capital, Female Founders Found, and 7 Percent Ventures. Beyond Aero also completed Y Combinator in 2022. The company has secured $914 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 108 aircraft and recently completed France's first manned, fully hydrogen-electric flight. Beyond Aero is a member of the World Economic Forum's First Movers Coalition and the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, underscoring its commitment to electrify aviation with hydrogen propulsion.
Beyond Aero has secured over $44 million in funding, backed by investors such as Giant Ventures, Bpifrance, and prior supporters like Initialized Capital, Female Founders Found, and 7 Percent Ventures. Beyond Aero also completed Y Combinator in 2022. The company has secured $914 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 108 aircraft and recently completed France's first manned, fully hydrogen-electric flight. Beyond Aero is a member of the World Economic Forum's First Movers Coalition and the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, underscoring its commitment to electrify aviation with hydrogen propulsion.
