Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies have begun work to jointly develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator to power various military and civil aircraft. Under the terms of a strategic partnership announced on Thursday, GE is making a $300 million equity investment in Beta, which is developing the CX300 and Alia 250 all-electric aircraft.
According to the companies, the new hybrid powertrain could be based on existing GE engines, such as the CT7 and T700 turboshafts. They are aiming to deliver improved range, payload, and speed for aircraft that include extended-range VTOL aircraft and new models that Vermont-based Beta might develop in the future.
The partnership is expected to capitalize on the Beta engineering team’s expertise in high-performance, permanent magnet electric generators. Apart from its established engine portfolio, GE is providing extensive experience with certification processes, electrical power systems, and large-scale manufacturing.
<h2>Hybrid Power for Helicopters and Airliners</h2>
Through a partnership with NASA, GE has been working for some time on hybrid-electric, high-bypass turbofan engines for the next generation of single-aisle airliners through the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-20/ge-teams-nasa-hybrid-electric-passport-engine">Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration</a> program. In March, GE announced that it is providing a CT7 engine for a joint project with helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, which is working on <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-03-11/ge-aerospace-notes-hybrid-electric-efforts">its Hybrid-Electric Experimental VTOL demonstrator</a> aircraft. In 2022, the aerospace group flew a megawatt-class, multi-kilovolt hybrid electric propulsion system at 45,000 feet.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="GE and Beta executives at the Paris Air Show" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37672ac9-c139-4dc6-96b5-5ca8e2b10567" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GE%20x%20BETA_Paris%20Air%20Show.JPG" width="5900" height="3933" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Left to right: Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies; Larry Culp, CEO of GE; and Chuck Davis, chairman and co-chief executive officer at Stone Point Capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
</figure>

Under the terms of the alliance with Beta, GE has the right to designate a director to join the start-up’s board. “Partnering with Beta will expand and accelerate hybrid-electric technology development, meeting our customers’ needs for differentiated capabilities that provide more range, payload, and optimized engine and aircraft performance,” said GE Aerospace’s chairman and CEO, Lawrence Culp.
In August, helicopter operator Bristow started testing an example of Beta’s CX300 conventional takeoff and landing electric aircraft on routes in Norway. Beta has signed up multiple other prospective users for the CX300, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-24/space-leasing-group-orders-25-beta-alia-electric-aircraft">Space Leasing Group</a>, and expects this model to be certified and ready for commercial operations from 2026, with the Alia 250 eVTOL variant to follow around a year later.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

GE Backs Beta’s Hybrid-Electric Engines Plan with $300 Million Investment

New powertrains could support various civil and military aircraft

GE Aerospace is taking a $300 million equity stake in electric aircraft pioneer Beta as the partners start joint work on a new hybrid-electric powertrain.

GE Invests $300 Million in Beta’s Hybrid-electric Propulsion Plans

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Scott Hamilton

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Manufacturing its striving to boost turbofan maturity and reliability 

GE Aerospace Taps Automation and AI to Improve Product Support

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

 Global 8000 set to enter market by year-end

GE Passport Engine for Global 8000 Gets U.S., Canada Nods

Hanneke Weitering

U.S. regulator signs ZeroAvia’s P-1 special conditions issue paper

FAA Approves Special Conditions for ZeroAvia’s Electric Propulsion System

Matt Thurber

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Move adds 80 skilled employees and manufacturing of safety-critical components

Barnes Aerospace Buys ATI’s East Hartford Operations

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

All major testing for Falcon 10X’s turbofans is now complete

Rolls-Royce Files Pearl 10X Engine Certification Data 

The prolific U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer was formed in July 1925

Pratt & Whitney Plots Next Century of Aircraft Engines

Hartzell designed the propeller for Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft

FAA Certifies Hartzell’s First Electric Engine Propeller

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

GE Aerospace

Beta Technologies

More In Engines