French plane set to become world’s first hydrogen-powered electric business jet
- Plane to become world’s first hydrogen-powered electric jet
- It was created by French startup Beyond Aero
- The company says it’s on track to deliver the plane in 2030
Published on Mar 20, 2025 at 3:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Mar 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A French Aircraft from aviation startup Beyond Aero is poised to become the world’s first hydrogen-powered electric business jet.
Beyond Aero recently unveiled a refined version of its BYA-1 hydrogen-electric jet.
The new design is on track to obtain the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) certification.
Meaning that the BYA-1 would become the first hydrogen-electric business aircraft in the world.
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Beyond Aero is aiming to deliver the BYA-1 by 2030
Hydrogen-powered electric planes are a burgeoning trend in aviation – last year, German-based H2FLY carried out the world’s first piloted fight of a liquid-hydrogen electric aircraft, while the creators behind this flying boat concept say it could offer 370 miles of range thanks to its hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Beyond Aero, which has offices in Paris, Toulouse, and Los Angeles, recently secured $20 million in funding for its hydrogen-powered jet.
And just a few weeks on from that announcement, Beyond Aero shared details of its ‘refined’ light jet having made ‘key engineering advancements validated by industry experts’.
These tweaks have enhanced safety and efficiency, while also setting the aircraft on track to receive certification.
“These refinements mark a significant step toward certification and commercialization, reinforcing Beyond Aero’s position as the leading manufacturer on track to deliver the first certified hydrogen-electric light jet by 2030,” the aviation company said in a statement.
The hydrogen-powered electric business jet will cut fuel costs
The BYA-1 business jet has been designed to carry six passengers and will have a range of 800 nautical miles (1,500), meaning it will be able to handle most European flight routes.
The hydrogen-powered aircraft will offer a better range than a standard electric plane by as much as five times and it will be cheaper to run than standard aircraft.
“Hydrogen fuel is expected to cut fuel costs by 65 percent vs. Power-to-Liquid SAFs by 2025 and 17 percent vs. Jet A-1 by 2030, making it a cost-efficient option for corporate clients and operators transitioning to lower-carbon aviation,” Beyond Aero explained.
The hydrogen-powered plane has already got support from some big names within the aviation industry.
“An aircraft that has proven to be a beautiful product, centered on safety and certification,” said Dominique Roland, the former head of general aviation at EASA.
Aerospace consultant Erik Carlson, who previously worked at HondaJet, said the refinement of the ‘beautiful aircraft’ was ‘significantly more mature’ than the older version.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
