GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies have completed what they describe as the world’s first hybrid-electric assisted takeoff demonstration using an aircraft designed to carry passengers at commercial airliner altitudes.
The test was conducted with a modified Saab 340B at BETA’s flight facility in Plattsburgh, New York. One side of the aircraft used a conventional GE Aerospace CT7 gas engine, while the other was equipped with a modified hybrid-electric engine.
The hybrid system combines a gas engine, electric motors and batteries in an integrated megawatt-class, multi-kilovolt propulsion arrangement. During takeoff, the electric components supplied additional power to help generate the thrust required.
GE Aerospace and BETA said early observations indicated that the hybrid-electric takeoff produced less noise than operation using gas engines alone, although no specific noise measurements were disclosed.
Hybrid-Electric Testing Expands to Takeoff
The latest demonstration extends earlier flight testing, which examined electric power assistance during climb and cruise, as well as energy regeneration during cruise and descent.
GE Aerospace Vice President of Future of Flight Engineering Arjan Hegeman said the milestone demonstrates progress towards more efficient aircraft propulsion.
“GE Aerospace is advancing the building blocks that will define the future of hybrid electric flight, now successfully demonstrating a more efficient commercial takeoff with a hybrid electric system. Step by step, we’re proving out a suite of next-generation technologies, from hybrid systems to Open Fan architecture, to meet customer needs.”
The programme forms part of wider hybrid-electric development under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project.
In May 2026, GE Aerospace, BETA, NASA and Boeing reported a hybrid-electric flight above 30,000 feet, reaching altitudes comparable to those used by commercial passenger aircraft. The aircraft subsequently crossed the Atlantic to reach the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, marking the programme’s first transatlantic hybrid-electric flights.
CFM RISE Programme Targets Improved Efficiency
GE Aerospace is also developing hybrid-electric propulsion and other advanced engine technologies through the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) programme, led by CFM International, its 50-50 joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines.
GE Aerospace, NASA Complete First High-Altitude Hybrid-Electric Flight
The programme includes hybrid-electric systems, compact-core designs and an Open Fan architecture. Open Fan technology removes the conventional engine casing to accommodate a larger fan, with the aim of reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
Unveiled in 2021, the RISE programme has completed approximately 500 test campaigns and more than 10,000 endurance and dust-ingestion cycles, according to GE Aerospace.
The company is targeting more than 20% better fuel burn compared with commercial engines currently in service. Hybrid-electric systems are also being developed for compatibility with different fuel types and advanced engine architectures.