Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric airplane stopped by Duncan Aviation’s FBO in Provo, Utah, during its cross-country tour this month to perform flight demonstrations for an audience of about 90 local leaders and officials. According to Duncan, the flights marked Utah’s first-ever electric air-taxi demonstrations. 

“Duncan Aviation was pleased to host this event as we develop partnerships and explore ways to support the innovative flight technologies that will be coming to Utah and the rest of the world in the near future,” said Duncan v-p of modifications and completions Phil Suglia. “As a full-service provider for business jets, Duncan Aviation has been exploring opportunities to support maintenance, components, and parts for developing aviation vehicles, including drones and eVTOL technologies.”

The Alia CX300, registered as N916LF, is the first production-conforming airplane to roll out of Beta’s factory in South Burlington, Vermont. It made its inaugural flight in November and then embarked on a national tour in mid-February, flying from upstate New York to Los Angeles over the course of about three weeks. 

Before heading back east, the Alia aircraft spent three days in Utah from March 9 to March 11. In January, Utah’s government partnered with Beta to establish an electric air taxi network in the state, and Beta’s cross-country tour offered Utahns a first look at the new aircraft.

As part of its agreement with the government of Utah, Beta will install electric aircraft charging infrastructure at airports throughout the state. Utah’s advanced air mobility implementation plan calls for the launch of electric air-taxi routes for fixed-wing models, including the Alia CX300, before introducing eVTOLs such as Beta’s Alia 250.

While touring Utah, the Alia aircraft covered more than 350 miles and made stops at Salt Lake City Airport, Provo Airport, Heber City Airport, Logan-Cache Valley Airport, Ogden Airport, and Vernal Airport.

“We received such a warm welcome from the residents of Utah,” said Beta pilot Noah Ranallo. “I think this week’s flights really demonstrated how quiet, cost-effective and safe this technology really is. It was a great feeling to bring this technology to the people it will ultimately impact, and to feel their excitement.”

Beta has demonstrated a range of up to 336 nm on a single charge with the CX300, whereas the Alia 250 eVTOL has a projected range of 250 nm. The company expects to obtain FAA type certification for the CX300 this year, followed by the Alia 250 eVTOL in 2026. Utah aims to have commercial air-taxi services fully operational in time for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games set to take place in Salt Lake City.