Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Beyond Aero has signed letters of intent for around 200 examples of its BYA-1 hydrogen-electric business airplane. As of mid-October, the French start-up reported agreements with 43 different prospective operators, which—if firmed up—would lead to sales worth more than $2 billion, implying a base price of around $10 million per airplane.
The Toulouse, France-based company is working toward EASA CS-25 type certification and aims to start deliveries of the eight-seat model in the early 2030s. Earlier this year, it switched from CS-23 rules to allow for an increased mtow to 9.6 tonnes (21,164 pounds), mainly on the basis that this would give operators improved one-engine-inoperative performance.
In March, Beyond Aero completed the preliminary design review, confirming a switch from ducted-fan engines to a pair of tail-mounted pusher propfans. According to chief engineer Luiz Oliveira, the switch in the fuel-cell-based engine architecture was due to the realization that the ducted-fan approach would take longer and be more costly to certify, although the company believes the technology could be deployed on future aircraft.
Beyond Aero co-founder and CEO Eloa Guillotin predicted that the emissions-free aircraft could attract younger clients deterred from private aviation on environmental grounds. However, the company is also pressing the case for reduced operating costs and believes the BYA-1 will be at least as economical to operate as turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Airs.
<h2>Working with Airports&nbsp;</h2>
Earlier last month, Beyond Aero announced a partnership with airports in southern France that will help to develop gaseous hydrogen refueling facilities at locations they see as likely early adopters of the technology. Nice Côte d’Azur (LFMN), Cannes Mandelieu (LFMD), and Golfe de Saint-Tropez (LFTZ) airports are considering plans for a fixed dispenser in a dedicated parking area for hydrogen aircraft and a mobile refueling vehicle.
“We chose [to enter] this market because we see a strong need [to reduce carbon emissions] and we know that business aviation is willing to pay to finance innovation, as it has done in the past with advances such as winglets,” Guillotin told AIN. In her view, the sector is facing pressure not only in terms of environmental charges, such as the controversial solidarity tax in France, but also from rising jet fuel costs as seen since the start of the Iran war.
Beyond Aero believes that around half of its sales will go to aircraft charter and management fleets, with the rest being split between high-net-worth individuals and corporate flight departments. In Europe, Guillotin said business aviation hubs—including London, Paris, and Geneva—will be ideal for the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-03-18/engines-change-and-weight-increases-hydrogen-bizjet">BYA-1’s six-passenger range of 800 nm</a> and cruise speed of 300 knots.
According to Guillotin, the question of who pays for the required hydrogen refueling infrastructure will vary by location, depending on the business model of each airport. Aboard the aircraft, hydrogen will be stored in tanks fitted in each wingtip.
Beyond Aero, which is a first-time exhibitor at NBAA-BACE, already has infrastructure partnerships in place with Aéroports de Paris and business aviation services group <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-04-14/luxaviation-supports-beyond-aeros-hydrogen-bizjet-plan">Luxaviation</a>. The UK Civil Aviation Authority recently selected the company to participate in a “hydrogen sandbox” test initiative with London City Airport (EGLC) and the University of East London.
Beyond Aero’s 80-strong team of engineers is now working toward the critical design review and first flight of a full-scale prototype. The company, which is not publishing projected timelines for each of these milestones, plans to conduct further funding rounds to bring the BYA-1 to market.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Beyond Aero Signs More Commitments for Hydrogen Business Airplane

French start-up says eight-seater will attract green private flyers 

Beyond Aero is aiming to bring an eight-seat hydrogen-electric business to market in the early 2030s and has already signed agreements for around 200 aircraft.

Beyond Aero Signs Commitments for Hydrogen Business Airplane

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Exhibitors include start-ups Beyond Aero, DTA Aircraft, and Regent Craft

NBAA-BACE To Feature Emerging Tech Pavilion

Charlotte Bailey

Australian group plans various charter and aerial work applications

FlyOne Commits For 10 MDA1 eViator Electric Aircraft

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Consultant says provisional sales announcements are poor indicators of program success

Altea Warns of Risks to Aviation Propulsion Revolution

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

New narrowbody airliners could see even greater use of composite materials

Composite Makers Prepare for Next Aerospace Challenge

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

EBAA says changes to Europe's emissions trading scheme are unfair 

Business Aviation Group Demands Emissions Policy Changes

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

2.79% of all jet fuel supplied to EU airports in 2025 was SAF 

ReFuelEU Surpasses Minimum SAF Uplift in First Reporting Year 

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Manufacturer says solar power is part of efforts to reduce environmental footprint 

Solar Panels Now Power Gulfstream’s Mesa Service Center

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

NBAA-BACE 2026

More In Sustainability and Environment