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Group makes first high-altitude flight using hybrid-electric propulsion using Saab 340 aircraft
A SAAB 340 commuter airplane is shown with a GE Aerospace hybrid-electric engine on the starboard side in this undated picture. GE Aerospace announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow an industry first to advance the future of flight, demonstrating the viability of more electric aircraft engine systems for aviation. (Courtesy of GE Aerospace/-)
GE Aerospace has carried out the world’s first high-altitude flight assisted by hybrid-electric propulsion, it said on Monday, part of an arsenal of technologies for future jet engines being showcased at this year’s Farnborough Airshow.The flight above 30,000 feet was made by a Saab 340 aircraft that has been discreetly carrying out similar trials since May, including a ground-breaking trip across the Atlantic with stopovers culminating in a debut at the aerospace event.
The research is being carried out in cooperation with NASA and electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, and comes as engine makers are designing the building blocks for engines to power potential successors to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320neo.
