Key updates to the BYA-1 design include a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with built-in redundancy. The system features dual electric engines, each powered through independent powerplant channels, providing resilience in failure scenarios and aligning with emerging aviation safety expectations.
To further support crashworthiness and operational safety, Beyond Aero has repositioned its 700-bar gaseous hydrogen tanks above the wing box, eliminating high-pressure fuel lines in the pressurized cabin. A customized FADEC and an improved thermal management system for the electric ducted fans ensure efficient propulsion, even in extreme operating conditions.
The aircraft now supports 2.4 megawatts of fuel cell stack capacity, increasing available power without compromising system reliability. These upgrades collectively advance the aircraft's technical maturity, as confirmed by aerospace veterans, including former HondaJet Technical Director Erik Carlson, who serves on the company’s advisory board.
From an operational standpoint, the BYA-1 leverages a fully electric powertrain with approximately 90% fewer moving components compared to traditional turbine-powered jets. This reduction in mechanical complexity lowers maintenance requirements and supports a modular engine replacement approach, potentially decreasing aircraft downtime and streamlining long-term servicing.
Beyond Aero projects up to a 55% reduction in direct operating costs compared to conventional business jets. These efficiencies are coupled with fuel savings, as hydrogen is expected to cost significantly less than both Jet A-1 and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuels within the next five years.
With a range of 800 nautical miles plus NBAA reserves and a cruise speed of 310 KTAS, the six-seat BYA-1 addresses the operational needs of more than 80% of European business aviation routes. Designed for performance at airports with operational constraints, the aircraft requires just 620 meters of takeoff ground roll and supports a steep 5.5-degree approach, making it suitable for runways like London City.
Beyond Aero submitted its Design Organisation Approval (DOA) application to EASA in April 2024 and has since advanced through the agency’s Pre-Application Services phase. The company is collaborating with regulators to shape new certification criteria for hydrogen-electric propulsion within the CS-23 framework—where no established standards currently exist.
This proactive certification strategy is supported by input from former regulatory leaders, including Dominique Roland, former Head of General Aviation at EASA, who noted the program’s emphasis on safety and regulatory readiness. Walter Filho, Head of Certification at Beyond Aero, added that the company is helping define a precedent for hydrogen-powered aircraft certification in general aviation.
Founded in 2020, Beyond Aero operates across Toulouse, Paris, and Los Angeles, with a current team of over 70 engineers and plans to add 30 more in the coming months. To date, the company has raised more than $44 million in funding and secured $914 million in non-binding Letters of Intent for 108 aircraft, reflecting robust early-stage interest in zero-emission business aviation solutions.
