Beyond Aero Secures $20M for Hydrogen-powered Business Aircraft: 5 Key Insights
Key Ideas
- Beyond Aero, a French startup, has raised $20 million for their hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft, aiming to revolutionize business aviation with zero emissions.
- The company is focused on electrifying aviation and has achieved significant milestones, including France's first manned hydrogen-electric flight.
- They are building the world's most powerful Hydrogen Electric Powertrain Lab to test all components of the propulsion system and have a hydrogen-powered aircraft expected to enter the market by 2030.
- Beyond Aero is committed to sustainability, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and has formed strategic partnerships with airports and industry leaders to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Beyond Aero, based in Toulouse, France, recently secured an additional $20 million in Series A funding to develop the first hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft. Co-led by Giant Ventures and Bpifrance, the investment aims to transform business aviation by eliminating emissions. Founded in 2020, the startup is on a mission to make aviation electric, starting with business aviation, which is under increasing scrutiny for its high CO2 emissions. Beyond Aero's recent achievements include a manned hydrogen-electric flight in France and the recruitment of a former advisor from Embraer's hydrogen program.
One of their major endeavors is the establishment of the world's most powerful integrated Hydrogen Electric Powertrain Lab. This facility will test all components of the hydrogen-electric propulsion system and focus on advancing system design and safety verification. The company's hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft, One, is designed to fly six to eight passengers up to 800 nautical miles, expected to hit the market by 2030.
In February, Beyond Aero conducted its first flight test using a sub-scale powertrain, showcasing its commitment to advancing hydrogen propulsion technology. Sustainability is a core principle for the company, aligning with global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. They have formed strategic partnerships with airports and industry players to facilitate the adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft. With support from investors like Initialized Capital and prominent figures in the industry, Beyond Aero is poised to lead the way in sustainable aviation.