GE Aerospace Invests $300M in Beta Technologies for Hybrid-Electric Power

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Collaborate on Electric Aviation

GE Aerospace is poised to acquire a significant ownership position in Beta Technologies, a leading firm in electric aviation. This collaboration will focus on the joint development of a hybrid-electric turbogenerator designed for future aircraft generations.

Strategic Investment and Partnership Details

A $300 million investment from GE is planned, subject to the fulfillment of all necessary regulatory requirements, as announced on Thursday. This strategic alliance signifies a major step forward for both companies.

The Rise of Hybrid Solutions in Advanced Air Mobility

The partnership emerges as hybrid technologies are gaining prominence within the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. AAM encompasses innovative aviation concepts, including eVTOL aircraft and hydrogen-powered flight.

Aircraft manufacturers are increasingly adopting hybrid engine systems. These systems integrate conventional turbines with electric power to enhance flight duration or maximize payload capabilities.

Complementary Expertise

This venture unites GE Aerospace, a dominant force in jet and turboprop engine manufacturing, with Beta Technologies, a dynamic startup recognized for its electric aircraft platform.

Each company contributes unique strengths. GE will utilize its established infrastructure and components from its proven engine family. Beta will provide specialized knowledge in high-performance electric propulsion systems.

Expected Benefits of the Hybrid System

GE and Beta anticipate that their combined hybrid system will deliver improvements in range, payload capacity, and overall aircraft performance.

Beta’s Certification Path and Funding

Concurrently, Beta Technologies is actively pursuing certification for its Alia aircraft. This includes both a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) version and an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) variant.

Upon completion, this deal will increase Beta’s total funding to $1.45 billion. GE will then join existing investors such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company.

GE’s Board Representation

Pending approval, GE will secure the right to appoint a director to Beta’s board. This demonstrates GE’s serious commitment to the evolving landscape of hybrid-electric aircraft architectures.