Ge Aerospace has acquired a significant stake in the electric airline’s beta technology, and the pair are working together to build a hybrid electric turbo generator for next-generation aircraft. GE will also invest $300 million, withholding regulatory approval under the strategic deal announced Thursday.
The new partnership is because hybrid solutions gain momentum in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) space and are all terms that describe next-generation aviation concepts such as EVTOL, hydrogen, and more. Aircraft manufacturers are increasingly turning into engine hybrids to combine traditional turbines and power to either extend flight times or increase potential payloads.
This is an interesting partnership. GEAerospace is a giant in the jet and turboprop engine world, and Beta is a startup known for its electric aircraft platform. However, the pair brings a complementary experience to the table. The new turbo generator leverages GE’s existing infrastructure and components from the widely used engine family, and Beta brings high-performance electric propulsion expertise.
GE and Beta say the hybrid system will offer improved range, payload capacity and aircraft performance.
In addition to the new partnership, Beta is pursuing a path to certification for Alia aircraft, including traditional takeoff and landing variants and electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) variants. If this transaction occurs, the total beta funding will be $1.45 billion, and GE will join a series of institutional investors including Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company.
If approved, GE also acquires the right to designate a director on the beta board. This is another signal that legacy engine manufacturers are taking the new rise of hybrid electrical constructions seriously.
