Source: GE AerospaceGE Aerospace and BETA Technologies have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of hybrid electric aviation. The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, combines BETA’s rapid innovation in the electric flight sector with GE’s vast experience in global manufacturing, engine technology, and certification.
The central goal of the partnership is to co-develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator. This technology is designed for AAM applications, particularly long-range Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, including future models from BETA. The project will leverage BETA’s specialized knowledge in high-performance electric generators alongside GE Aerospace’s expertise in turbine engineering and electrical power systems. By integrating this new technology with GE’s proven CT7 and T700 engines, the companies expect to deliver significant improvements in flight range, payload capacity, and overall performance for BETA’s aircraft.
As part of the agreement, GE Aerospace will make a $300 million equity investment in BETA. In addition to the investment, the agreement grants GE Aerospace the right to designate a director to join BETA’s Board of Directors, ensuring close alignment and strategic integration between the two companies as they move forward. The partnership builds on the unique accomplishments of each company: GE has a long history of testing hybrid electric systems, including at high altitudes, while BETA has logged extensive real-world flight hours with its all-weather ALIA aircraft, gathering invaluable operational data.
Founded in 2017 by Kyle Clark, BETA has focused on a practical, step-by-step approach to developing and certifying its electric aircraft. The Vermont-based company is concurrently developing two versions of its ALIA aircraft: a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) model, the CX300, and a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) version, the A250. The company’s strategy involves certifying the simpler CTOL version first to gain experience with regulators and begin commercial operations, while continuing to refine the more complex VTOL technology.
BETA’s development program has achieved several significant milestones. The company has secured partnerships with major players like UPS and the U.S. Air Force, and its ALIA aircraft have conducted numerous test flights, including long-distance journeys and operations in various weather conditions. BETA’s CX300 production aircraft received an airworthiness certificate from the FAA in late 2024, and in June 2025, it conducted the first passenger-carrying flight by an electric aircraft in the U.S. The company has also been building out a network of charging stations to support its aircraft and other electric vehicles, demonstrating a holistic approach to creating an electric aviation ecosystem. The partnership with GE Aerospace is expected to further accelerate BETA’s progress towards full-scale commercialization of its innovative aircraft.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Douglas Royce is currently co-editor of four of Forecast International's Market Intelligence Services: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, Rotorcraft Forecast, and Aviation Gas Turbine Forecast. As such, he plays a key role in many important projects that involve market sizing and forecasting for various segments of the world aerospace industry, as well as demand for related systems.
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- BETA Technologies ALIA CTOL model: GE Aerospace
