Beyond Aero Unveils Enhanced Hydrogen Electric Business Jet Design

French startup Beyond Aero has shared exciting new details and visuals of its hydrogen-electric business jet currently in development. Originally introducing the CS23 hydrogen-electric light jet concept in 2023, the company aims to deliver its first certified aircraft by 2030.

If successful, the BYA-1 will make history as the first hydrogen-electric business jet designed from the ground up, powered by gaseous hydrogen. Notably, Beyond Aero achieved a significant milestone last year by successfully flight-testing its hydrogen propulsion system.

Founded in 2020, Beyond Aero operates out of Toulouse-Francazal Airport in France.

Key Specifications of the BYA-1

The BYA-1 business jet boasts an impressive range of 1,500 km (930 miles) and a cruising speed of 573 km/h (356 mph). Its design emphasizes operational flexibility, featuring a take-off ground roll of just 620 m (516 ft) and an approach angle of 5.5°, making it ideal for use at airports with space constraints, such as London City.

The aircraft will utilize a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack that provides 2.4 MW of power to its two electric engines. The integration of 700-bar gaseous hydrogen tanks into the wingbox structure eliminates the need for high-pressure fuel lines within the pressurized cabin.

Equipped with two electric ducted fans, the BYA-1 will also incorporate an advanced thermal management system designed for maximum efficiency, along with a custom FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system to optimize performance throughout all flight phases.

Navigating Certification Pathways

As CS-23 regulations currently do not address hydrogen-powered aircraft, Beyond Aero is collaborating with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to establish special conditions for certification. The company submitted its Design Organization Approval (DOA) application in April 2024 and has made progress through EASA’s Pre-Application Services. They are actively defining a certification framework specifically for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Walter Filho, the head of certification at Beyond Aero, stated, “Beyond Aero is setting the precedent for hydrogen-electric certification. By working closely with EASA, we are shaping the regulatory pathways that will allow for the safe and effective adoption of hydrogen propulsion in aviation.”

Expert Advisory Committee

To ensure the feasibility and certification of the BYA-1 program, Beyond Aero has assembled an expert advisory committee of seasoned aerospace professionals. Notable members include Stéphane Mayer, former CEO of EADS Socata, ATR, and Daher; Erik Carlson, aerospace

consultant and former technical director of stress and structural design at HondaJet; and Dominique Roland, aerospace consultant and former head of general aviation at EASA.

Beyond Aero reports that it has received letters of intent for 72 aircraft, collectively valued at approximately $580 million. The company currently employs over 70 highly qualified engineers from leading aerospace firms and is actively seeking to recruit an additional 30 professionals.

As Beyond Aero advances its innovative hydrogen business jet, the future of sustainable aviation looks increasingly promising.

To learn more about the future of private aviation contact one of our experts at BJETS.