Beyond Aero BYA-1 Hydrogen-Electric Business Aircraft French company Beyond Aero is a name that does not come up too many times but they are an enterprise that is seeking to bring the BYA-1 'business jet' to market. This is a hydrogen-electric powered aircraft that seats 8. Since the initial design there have been several changes to aspects of the design such as newer engines, the aircraft has increased the take-off weight as well.
Previously the BYA-1 was supposed to have a maximum take-off weight in the region of 8.6 metric tonnes. That figure has now increased to 9.6 metric tonnes. The change however, now pushes the aircraft to be certified under different rules. EASA’s CS-25 rules will now apply for the aircraft which will now have a take off weight of 21,164 pounds. Before it would have been under EASA CS-23 rules for aircraft under 19,000 pounds.
Earlier designs with ducted-type architecture for the engines have now been replaced by rear-mounted pusher prop design. The aft-mounted pusher-prop design is expected to be operated on gaseous hydrogen commencing at around 700 bar in externally mounted tanks on top of the aircrafts' wingtips. Beyond Aero suggested that this arrangement will reduce complexity when refueling at airports and provide natural ventilation.
Work has been ongoing behind the scenes as it concerns early development of this aircraft. Beyond Aero has previously flown a subscale prototype that was fitted with an 85-kilowatt propulsion system. On the ground it has also known the capability with a 1,200-kilowatt capacity. Back in October 2025, the company took the opportunity to acquire intellectual property of now folded U.S. start-up Universal Hydrogen. Wind tunnel testing was completed at the German-Dutch Wing Tunnels Low-Speed Facility at Marknesse in the Netherlands in January on an 1/8 scale craft. For more information: Beyond Aero 4 Rue Douladoure, 31100 Toulouse, France www.beyond-aero.com ***
