GE Aerospace invests in BETA Technologies, partners in hybrid tech development

GE Aerospace is to invest $300 million in BETA Technologies, as part of a broader strategic agreement that will also see the two firms collaborate in the development of a hybrid-electric turbogenerator, they announced jointly on September 5, 2025. 

Until this point, BETA Technologies has focused on the development of the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) fully electric, battery-powered CX300 ALIA aircraft. A vertical take-off and landing, also fully electric (eVTOL), is planned for a later stage. 

However, under this new agreement with GE Aerospace, it is possible that BETA Technologies may also develop a hybrid-electric version of this aircraft with extra range. Crucially, any technology resulting from this collaboration may be used in other aircraft designs.  

A number of eVTOL developers have been leaning towards the adoption of hybrid architectures in recent years, as this could enable them to meet the range and endurance requirements of the US military.  

Defense programs are emerging as a major driving force accelerating the development of several clean sheet aircraft designs in the US. In addition to BETA Technologies, other prominent startups such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Electra and REGENT are all working on hybrid-electric solutions of this sort. 

In the case of the GE Aerospace – BETA Technologies partnership, both firms have highlighted the complementarity of the respective areas of expertise, coupling BETA Technologies’ experience in the development of high-performance, permanent magnet electric generators with GE Aerospace’s know-how in conventional turbine development and certification.  

For example, GE Aerospace produces the T700/CT7 engine family, which powers a broad range of military and civilian helicopters, including the UH-60 Blackhawk and the AH-64 Apache in their multiple versions, as well as several types of propeller aircraft. 

Aligning closer with GE Aerospace will allow BETA Technologies to tap into GE Aerospace’s large scale manufacturing capabilities and resources, while the engine maker in turn will be able to further its work in alternative propulsion technologies.  

GE Aerospace has already been dabbling for several years with electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technology and has conducted some successful tests. On the other hand, its new partner BETA Technologies is already flight-testing its proprietary electric propulsion technology in real conditions, both in the US and in Europe. 

As per the terms of this deal, GE Aerospace will also have a seat on BETA Technologies’s Board of Directors. 

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