FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
Hydrogen-powered business aircraft developer Beyond Aero expects to close its latest funding round by year-end as it advances the BYA-1 toward a potential market entry in the 2030s. The company says pre-orders have passed 200 units, while fuel-cell-powered business aircraft could enter service toward the beginning of the next decade.
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Hydrogen-powered business aircraft developer Beyond Aero expects to close its latest funding round by year-end as it advances the BYA-1 toward a potential market entry in the 2030s. The company says pre-orders have passed 200 units, while fuel-cell-powered business aircraft could enter service toward the beginning of the next decade.
Testing under the UK’s H2GEAR programme covered two components for a hydrogen-electric propulsion system. The initiative, funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute, is developing technologies intended to lower aviation emissions, though the announcement does not specify the components tested or report performance results.
The French start-up says new commitments support demand for an eight-seat business airplane powered by hydrogen. Beyond Aero is positioning the aircraft for private flyers seeking lower-emissions travel; the available report does not specify the number or value of the commitments.
Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner says the company’s initial hydrogen fuel-cell airframe is likely to have around 80 seats and use propellers. He described the zero-emission design as “becoming a reality,” offering a clearer indication of the aircraft concept Airbus is pursuing.
High activity
The FAA awarded $12 million to 19 companies for research and testing intended to safely expand drone operations in the national airspace. Separately, Raytheon received $729 million in counter-drone awards for the U.S., Qatar and Jordan, while other initiatives span autonomous interceptors, airport vehicle-collision prevention and the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance program.
The first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft could be considerably smaller than the aircraft discussed by the industry five years ago. The shift in expected size underscores how early hydrogen aviation may enter service on a more limited scale than earlier ambitions suggested.
ZeroAvia is targeting early 2027 to close a Series D round, with continued support for its UK operation hinging on fresh financing. Cumulative losses at the unit have topped £110 million, underscoring the funding requirement as the company seeks to sustain its operations.
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