In the world of aviation, a transformative breeze is blowing from France, thanks to Beyond Aero, a startup that’s making waves with its hydrogen-powered business aircraft. With a fresh infusion of $20 million from a Series A funding round, co-led by Giant Ventures and Bpifrance, the company is setting its sights on a future where flights are emission-free. This financial boost takes Beyond Aero’s total capital to an impressive $44 million, including debt and grants, all aimed at electrifying the skies.
The brainchild of founders Valentin Chomel, Eloa Guillotin, and Hugo Tarlé, Beyond Aero was established in 2020 with a clear mission: to clean up business aviation, a sector infamous for its hefty carbon footprint. Business jets emit ten times more CO2 per passenger than commercial flights, making them a prime target for innovation. The company has already made strides, achieving France’s first manned hydrogen-electric flight and bringing on board Luiz Oliveira, a former advisor on Embraer’s hybrid hydrogen program, as Chief Engineer. With $914 million in Letters of Intent for 108 aircraft, the demand for their pioneering planes is unmistakable.
A significant part of their journey involves a $12 million investment in the world’s most powerful integrated Hydrogen Electric Powertrain Lab. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test every component of the hydrogen-electric propulsion system, from tanks to fuel cells and electrical systems. By replicating one of the aircraft’s powerplants, the lab will advance the technology to TRL6 at over 600 kW power, focusing on hydrogen refueling, air supply, and integrated powertrain testing. This marks a crucial step in system design and safety verification.
Their flagship aircraft, aptly named One, is a trailblazer as the first hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft. Designed to carry six passengers over 800 nautical miles (about 1,500 km), its range is five times that of a battery-powered aircraft. Entirely electric, it relies on fuel cells that produce only water as a byproduct. With a market debut anticipated by 2030, it’s already catching the eye of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients.
Earlier this year, Beyond Aero successfully conducted its inaugural flight test with a sub-scale powertrain, marking a first in France and a second in Europe for hydrogen-powered flight. This test was crucial for validating various technologies and the powertrain architecture on a smaller scale.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of Beyond Aero’s mission. By developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, they are tackling aviation’s environmental impact head-on and aligning with global efforts to cut carbon emissions. This dedication not only strengthens their brand but also positions them as frontrunners in sustainable aviation.
Strategic partnerships are key to Beyond Aero’s progress. Collaborations with over 50 airports worldwide, led by Aéroports de Paris (ADP), are paving the way for hydrogen refueling facilities. By choosing gaseous hydrogen, they’ve simplified infrastructure integration, making it easier for airports to embrace hydrogen-powered aircraft. Insights from collaborations with Formula One and the automobile industry are also enhancing their understanding of hydrogen powertrains used in cars and boats.
Eloa Guillotin, Co-Founder and CEO, underscores their mission to electrify aviation. With backing from investors like Giant Ventures and Initialized Capital, Beyond Aero is well on its way to transforming aviation and slashing emissions. Their bold steps in hydrogen aviation are setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future in air travel. With strategic investments, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability, Beyond Aero is not just flying—they’re soaring into the future.
