Beyond Aero Unveils Plans for Innovative Hydrogen-Electric Business Jet
Key Ideas
- Beyond Aero, a French startup, is developing the BYA-1 hydrogen-electric business jet with a range of 1,500km and a cruise speed of 573 km/h.
- The company is working with EASA to establish regulatory approvals for hydrogen-powered aircraft, setting a precedent for certification in this field.
- An expert advisory committee, including aerospace experts, has been appointed to validate the program's feasibility and certification process.
- Beyond Aero has received letters of intent for 72 aircraft, indicating a positive market response to the innovative hydrogen-electric business jet.
French startup Beyond Aero has revealed new details and images of the hydrogen-electric business jet, BYA-1. The company plans to deliver its first certified aircraft by 2030, aiming to be the first clean-sheet hydrogen-electric business jet fueled by gaseous hydrogen. Beyond Aero successfully flight-tested its hydrogen propulsion system previously. The BYA-1 is designed for operational flexibility, with features like a 1,500km range, cruise speed of 573 km/h, and suitability for constrained airports. It will use a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack to power its electric engines. To ensure regulatory approval, Beyond Aero is working with EASA to establish a certification framework for hydrogen-powered aircraft, adapting existing CS-23 regulations. An expert advisory committee has been appointed to validate the program's feasibility. The company has received positive market response with letters of intent for 72 aircraft worth US$580 million and employs a skilled team of engineers.