France-based aircraft manufacturer Beyond Aero is developing the BYA-I, a low carbon business jet for four to eight passengers and designed for hydrogen propulsion. The aircraft will have a first range of 800 nautical miles (1,500 km) and will carry several hydrogen storage tanks along with complex hybrid fuel cells and their auxiliaries.

The OEM is to pool expertise with HRS, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refuelling stations, in order to develop hydrogen infrastructure for the aircraft. The agreement also provides for the start of negotiations on a potential commercial agreement between the two companies. It covers an initial term of five years and should allow the two companies to pool their know-how and expertise in aeronautics and hydrogen in order to identify the most appropriate hydrogen refuelling solutions for the Beyond Aero aircraft, as well as the storage requirements for long haul flights.

Beyond Aero founder and CEO Eloa Guillotin says: "The transition to electric aviation is inevitable and crucial for decarbonising the aviation sector. As committed stakeholders, we are proud to bring together the entire hydrogen industry, a key technology that opens new perspectives. The establishment of the first hydrogen stations at airports is a vital step towards realising this vision and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable aviation future."

Beyond Aero has confirmed market interest with letters of intent totalling $580 million, as well as investor interest with over $10 million raised to date. The company recently completed the design of an 85 kW aircraft propulsion system, the most powerful in the European Union, at its Francazal airport site in Toulouse.

The hydrogen market has strong potential in terms of sustainable aviation and could account for 38 per cent of all aircraft by 2050, according to McKinsey. Thanks to its ability to reduce CO2 emissions, diminish noise pollution and exploit renewable energy sources, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Many sector players, including Airbus and Alaska Airlines, have invested in research and development to design hydrogen solutions that will reach the market over the coming years.

HRS founding chairman and CEO Hassen Rachedi adds: “We are proud to announce the signing of this agreement with Beyond Aero, which will help develop hydrogen solutions that will revolutionise aviation. Hydrogen plays a key role in decarbonising transport and we are determined to play a major part in this transition towards a greener future across all sectors. In collaboration with Beyond Aero, a company recognised for its innovation capacity, we will harness our entire know-how in hydrogen technology in order to develop sustainable aircraft propulsion, thereby reducing carbon emissions and helping to preserve the environment. Together, we will shape a future where the sky will be synonymous with sustainability and energy efficiency.”