French electric aircraft manufacturer Beyond Aero has taken a significant step towards certification and commercialization with the unveiling of the BYA-1 aircraft in 2023. This light jet is designed for hydrogen propulsion, offering a zero-emissions solution with affordable maintenance costs. The company aims to deliver the first certified hydrogen-electric light jet by 2030, working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for certification. The BYA-1 features innovative engineering, including a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system, redundant electric engines, and strategic placement of hydrogen tanks for safety. Beyond Aero highlights that the design enhances failure resilience and scalability while exceeding safety standards in the industry. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with electric ducted fans for improved propulsion efficiency and performance, reducing maintenance and operations costs compared to traditional fossil fuel-powered aircraft. One of the key highlights of the BYA-1 is its simplified all-electric powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts, aiming to cut maintenance complexity and operational costs by up to 55%. Beyond Aero also projects significant cost savings in fuel expenses through hydrogen, making it an attractive option for corporate clients and operators transitioning to lower-carbon aviation. While Beyond Aero and other companies like Universal Hydrogen and Airbus are investing in hydrogen propulsion technology, the aviation industry faces challenges such as developing a reliable green hydrogen supply chain and overcoming weight limitations due to the high-pressure tanks needed for hydrogen storage. Despite the advantages of hydrogen over battery-electric systems, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) may play a key role in the industry's energy transition until these hurdles are addressed.