GE Aerospace & Beta Technologies to partner up

GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies Inc. have announced a new strategic partnership and equity investment agreement, pending regulatory approval, aimed at accelerating the development of hybrid electric aviation. The collaboration combines BETA’s rapid innovation with GE Aerospace’s global scale, engineering expertise, and manufacturing capabilities.

Under the agreement, the two companies will co-develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator designed for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications, including long-range vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, future BETA models, and other platforms. The effort will leverage BETA’s high-performance permanent magnet electric generator technology and GE Aerospace’s proven turbine systems, certification experience, and large-scale production expertise.

The hybrid system will build on existing GE Aerospace platforms, such as the CT7 and T700 engines, aiming to deliver superior range, payload, and speed compared to current AAM aircraft.

As part of the deal, GE Aerospace will invest $300 million in BETA, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering technologies that shape the future of flight. GE Aerospace will also gain the right to appoint a director to BETA’s Board.

GE Aerospace continues to advance next-generation flight technologies, including integrated hybrid electric propulsion and innovative engine architectures. Its milestones include a 2016 electric motor-driven propeller test and, in 2022, the world’s first test of a megawatt-class hybrid electric system at 45K foot simulated altitude.

BETA, a leader in electric flight for AAM, has logged significant flight time and range, gathering real-world performance data. Its ALIA aircraft, featuring in-house electric propulsion and battery systems, is designed for all-weather operation, high reliability, and a quieter acoustic profile than traditional aircraft.

Together, GE Aerospace and BETA aim to bring a new, high-performance hybrid electric solution to the AAM market.