French sustainable business-jet developer Beyond Aero is moving closer to establishing its first large-scale manufacturing hub, having completed key feasibility work for a proposed production campus designed around its hydrogen-electric aircraft programme.
The company, based near Toulouse in southwest France, is now evaluating a shortlist of potential locations for the facility as it transitions from prototype testing toward full industrialisation. The proposed campus is projected to initially support the production of around 60 aircraft per year, with capacity expandable to 120 units annually if demand grows.
A Campus Built for Hydrogen-Electric Innovation
Beyond Aero’s future manufacturing campus is designed to house a complete aircraft production ecosystem. Plans include a final-assembly line of roughly 17,000 m², alongside a delivery centre, paint shop, customer showroom and dedicated research and development space. The facility forms a crucial part of the company’s strategy to develop the BYA-1, a six-seat business jet powered by hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
According to Beyond Aero, several regions in France and across Europe have formally expressed interest in hosting the project. The evaluation phase is structured, with multiple sites under consideration as part of a competitive selection process.
Strategic Planning and Local Impact
To support planning, Beyond Aero commissioned Porsche Consulting to assess industrial architecture and the Kardham Group to advise on site design. The feasibility work has helped shape a clear vision for an industrial facility that integrates manufacturing requirements at a foundational level and supports regional economic development.
The initial production target of 60 jets would create approximately 225 specialised manufacturing jobs, making it an important contributor to local employment and boosting regional aerospace ecosystems. If built out to its full potential, the site could more than double its output capacity — accommodating future growth as demand for low-carbon aviation technologies rises.
Manufacturing Approach and Timing
Beyond Aero has said that while automation will play a role, the campus will emphasise manual assembly for core manufacturing tasks, supported by targeted automation for inspection and precision work. This hybrid approach aims to combine manufacturing flexibility with high quality standards.
The company expects to finalise the jet’s design around 2027, following which it anticipates progressing toward certification and early service entry in the early 2030s. The BYA-1 is designed to achieve around 800 nautical miles of range, positioning it as a practical option for regional business travel while leveraging hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Looking Ahead
As interest in sustainable aviation grows, companies like Beyond Aero are gaining attention not just for technical innovation but also for their ability to scale efficiently. The manufacturing campus represents a major milestone in the company’s journey — one that could help shift hydrogen-electric flight from concept to commercial reality.
By focusing on a scalable production model and engaging multiple European regions in the site selection process, Beyond Aero is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in business aviation — one built around clean propulsion, strategic regional investment, and long-term industrial vision.