French start-up Beyond Aero has taken a significant step forward in its mission to revolutionize aviation with hydrogen-powered technology. The company recently secured $20 million in funding to advance the development of its groundbreaking aircraft, the One, which aspires to become the first hydrogen-propelled electric business jet, according to Simple Flying. Founded in 2020, Beyond Aero plans to have the One soaring through the skies by 2030.
The One is a sleek, 67-foot business jet designed to accommodate up to eight passengers. It boasts an impressive 800-nautical-mile range and cruises at approximately 357 mph (575 km/h). Unlike traditional aircraft, the One is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. This process produces only water as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a significant advantage over other propulsion technologies. They produce no greenhouse gases and eliminate the need for burning conventional fuels. Beyond Aero claims that its fuel-cell system is 12 times more efficient than battery-powered aircraft and delivers five times the range, marking a significant leap in sustainable aviation technology.
Despite its potential, implementing hydrogen fuel cells in aviation comes with challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the heavy weight of hydrogen storage solutions, which can complicate aircraft performance during takeoff. To address this, Beyond Aero turned to lessons from Formula 1 racing and the broader automotive industry. By studying hydrogen powertrains used in cars and boats, the company refined the One’s design to optimize the integration of its fuel-cell system.
With this latest funding round, Beyond Aero has raised a total of $44 million. Investors include high-profile figures like Airbnb cofounder Nate Blecharczyk and Dropbox cofounder Arash Ferdowsi, as well as venture-capital firms Initialized Capital and Giant Ventures. This robust financial backing reflects growing confidence in the viability of hydrogen-powered aviation.
Eloa Guillotin, cofounder and CEO of Beyond Aero, expressed optimism about the project’s progress. Speaking to the Robb Report last year, she noted, “It’s moving faster than anyone expected. For us, it’s not a question of if, but when.” With the additional funding, that “when” is now approaching rapidly.
Beyond Aero isn’t alone in the race to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft. Companies like Nex Aero, Sirius Jet, and ASML Aero are also working on zero-emissions aviation solutions, aiming to redefine the future of flight. These advancements promise a competitive landscape, with multiple innovations set to emerge in the coming years.
Hydrogen-powered aviation represents a promising path toward reducing the environmental impact of air travel. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and addressing key engineering challenges, Beyond Aero is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement. The One, with its combination of sustainability, efficiency, and performance, has the potential to transform business aviation and inspire further advancements across the industry.
As the skies become increasingly populated with next-generation aircraft, hydrogen-powered jets like the One could mark the beginning of a new era—one where aviation meets environmental responsibility without compromising on performance or innovation. With the latest infusion of funding and the support of visionary investors, Beyond Aero is well on its way to making this vision a reality.
