Beyond Aero is shaking things up in aviation with the BYA-1, a hydrogen-electric light jet that could change the way we think about business travel. Unlike traditional jets, this one is powered entirely by a fuel cell system – no batteries, no turbines, just clean hydrogen. The goal? A quieter, more efficient aircraft with zero emissions and significantly lower costs for operators.
Designed to carry six passengers up to 800 nautical miles (about 1,500 km), the BYA-1 is built with efficiency and safety in mind. It features two electric engines running on independent powerplant channels, meaning if one system has an issue, the other keeps things running smoothly. The hydrogen tanks – pressurized to 700 bar – are placed above the wing box structure, a design choice that enhances safety by keeping high-pressure fuel lines out of the cabin. Beyond Aero has also boosted the fuel cell stack’s power to 2.4 megawatts, pushing performance even further.
For operators, the BYA-1 brings serious savings. With 90% fewer moving parts than a traditional jet, maintenance is simpler and cheaper. The aircraft also features a modular engine swap system, cutting operational costs by up to 55%. And as hydrogen fuel prices continue to drop, flying this jet could cost 65% less than using traditional Jet A-1 fuel.
Passengers aren’t left out of the equation either. Beyond Aero designed the cabin for comfort, with large elliptical windows that let in more light – 27% bigger than those in conventional business jets. Advanced acoustic insulation and the quiet electric propulsion system make for a much calmer ride, reducing cabin noise by 15 dB. Plus, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will be available, making it easy to stay connected while in the air.
Unlike air taxis that rely on vertical takeoff, the BYA-1 operates like a traditional jet but needs just 620 meters of runway space. That means it can fly in and out of airports with short runways, like London City Airport, while still cruising at a solid 310 knots (around 575 km/h). It’s a setup that makes business and leisure travel between cities like London and Nice seamless and efficient.
Beyond Aero has been moving fast. Since unveiling the concept at Le Bourget in 2023, they’ve fine-tuned the design, improved performance, and secured letters of intent worth $914 million for 108 aircraft. The company has already completed its first manned, fully hydrogen-electric test flight in France and is working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to get the aircraft certified.
With offices in Toulouse, Paris, and Los Angeles, Beyond Aero has come a long way since launching in 2020. If everything stays on track, the BYA-1 could be ready for its first certified deliveries by 2030, marking a major step toward cleaner, more efficient aviation.
