Beyond Aero, based in Toulouse, is betting on transforming business aviation by focusing on hydrogen-electric propulsion. Aware of the sector’s environmental impact, the startup founded by Eloa Guillotin is developing a 6- to 8-seater business aircraft capable of covering up to 1,500 km across Europe, aiming to provide a zero-local-emission alternative for more sustainable business flights. Powered by gaseous hydrogen converted into electricity via fuel cells, this model offers significantly greater range than battery-powered aircraft, while producing only water as an emission.
Beyond Aero is also achieving major technical milestones to make hydrogen a commercial reality in business aviation. The company recently inaugurated a hydrogen-electric propulsion testing center in Toulouse, designed to test all critical system components, from fuel cells to hydrogen tanks, with a power output of over 600 kW.
On the international front, Beyond Aero has garnered support from strategic investors, with letters of intent totaling $914 million for the sale of 108 aircraft. The startup is attracting a broad range of potential clients, from entrepreneurs to airlines, and aims to commercialize its first models by 2030.
To support this ambition, Beyond Aero raised €18.8 million ($20 million) in a Series A round led by Giant Ventures and Bpifrance’s Deep Tech 2030 fund, bringing total funding to €41.5 million ($44 million). This funding will allow the company to accelerate its research and development activities, with the goal of bringing a certified, hydrogen-electric business aircraft to market and ready for global export.
