Hanneke Weitering

<p>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.</p>


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


Alia 250 eVTOL prototype aircraft achieves key transition from hover to cruise flight

Beta Achieves Piloted eVTOL Aircraft Transition Flights

<p>New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.</p>


<p>New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.</p>


<p>News and information on safety procedures and concerns.</p>


UL certification verifies compliance with safety standards and regulations

Beta's 'Charge Cube' Earns UL Safety Certification

<p>Signature Aviation is teaming up with Beta Technologies to bring electric aircraft chargers to its fixed-base operators (FBOs) across the U.S. East Coast. The business aviation services group inaugurated its first Beta charging station on Thursday at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (KMHT) in New Hampshire.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The partners signed an agreement covering the installation of charging stations at three Signature FBO locations, and discussions regarding additional locations are already underway. This summer Beta will install another two chargers at Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK) in Maryland and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (KCHO) in Virginia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This agreement represents the third such partnership for Vermont-based Beta, which is also installing charging stations at several <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-16/atlantic-aviation-expands-plans-evtol-air-services-partnering-joby-and">Atlantic Aviation FBOs</a>. Avflight, another FBO chain operator, recently installed one of Beta’s chargers at Golden Triangle Regional Airport (KGTR) in eastern Mississippi. Beta’s charging stations are multimodal and interoperable, meaning they can charge electric aircraft as well as electric ground vehicles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So far Beta’s charging infrastructure network across the eastern U.S. consists of 19 sites that are already operational and another 50 that are either in the permitting or construction process.&nbsp; Meanwhile, as Beta continues to build out its charging network, the company is also developing <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-13/beta-technologies-plans-certify-electric-ctol-airplane">two electric air taxis</a>—the CX300 conventional airplane and the Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft, which it aims to have certified and in service by 2025 and 2026, respectively.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Signature has headquarters in Orlando, Florida and operates more than 200 FBO locations at airports around the world. It provides business aviation customers with hangars and fuel, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and passenger amenities.</p>
<p>In recent years, Signature has strived to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability as part of a rebranding strategy. For example, Signature has made sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available at several locations, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-10-20/all-signature-fbos-california-now-stocking-saf">all of its FBOs in California</a> as well as its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-03-10/signature-introduces-saf-vail-fbo">Vail Valley Jet Center</a> FBO at Eagle County Regional Airport in Colorado, where it will soon introduce its first electric refueling truck. In 2022, Signature announced that it had achieved <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-03-01/signature-achieves-chainwide-carbon-neutrality-2022">carbon neutrality</a> across its entire network.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“We are thrilled to further solidify our partnership with Beta, which underscores our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of aviation through our sustainability initiatives in Signature Renew,” said company chief commercial officer Derek DeCross.</p>
<p>“Today’s announcement is indicative of a transformative time for Signature, with our recent visual identity update focused on delivering innovative hospitality across every element of the guest journey. Together with Beta, we're not only creating greater access to electric aviation but also unlocking new possibilities in regional air mobility for our guests, all while championing sustainability and innovation in the aviation industry.”</p>


Science & Technology Editor

Signature Aviation Electrifies FBO Locations With Beta's Aircraft Chargers

<p>Shortly after Beta Technologies’ Alia electric airplane prototype completed its three-month <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-30/betas-electric-air-taxi-demonstrates-military-use-cases">deployment at Eglin Air Force Base</a> in Florida last month, it spent more than a week in Savannah, Georgia, where the U.S. Air National Guard used it for a series of military training exercises, the Vermont-based aircraft developer announced February 12.&nbsp;</p>
<p>During the&nbsp;weeklong military mission assessment sequence, Beta and the Air National Guard—a military reserve for the U.S. Air Force—jointly conducted an agile combat employment (ACE) and domestic response exercise at the Air Dominance Center, also known as the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center.</p>
<p>The Air Force defines ACE as an “operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability while generating combat power.” This strategy aims&nbsp;to shift operations from centralized physical infrastructure, such as large overseas military bases, to a network of smaller, dispersed locations&nbsp;“that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.”</p>
<p>More than 350 airmen from six U.S. states participated in various mission exercises using the Alia aircraft, including the swift relocation of personnel between bases and simulated attack and casualty evacuation scenarios. The Alia also transported cargo between its starting base in Savannah and three other locations nearby, among them a regional airport and a USAF airfield in South Carolina.</p>
<p>“It was incredibly validating to see firsthand how Alia was able to accomplish meaningful missions in support of a large-scale training exercise, with very minimal assets,” said Beta test pilot and former Air Force fighter squadron commander Chris Caputo. “We were able to accept missions from an alert status and be airborne within minutes, fly to a contingency location, completely shut down the aircraft, unload and/or load cargo, and be airborne again within 10 minutes.”</p>
<p>“Alia’s flexibility, low cost, and exceptionally high utilization rate, not to mention its interoperability with our own and existing infrastructure, make it an ideal asset to help sustain the combat capabilities of the USAF,” Caputo added.</p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Beta has developed its own aircraft chargers, including permanent charging stations the company is installing across the country, as well as portable "charge cubes" that are small enough to stow inside the aircraft. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</div>
      
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<figcaption>Beta has developed its own aircraft chargers, including permanent charging stations the company is installing across the country, as well as portable "charge cubes" that are small enough to stow inside the aircraft. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</figcaption>
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<p>Beta's work with the Air National Guard was separate from the work the company is conducting <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-03-14/us-air-force-pilots-take-controls-betas-alia-first-crewed-military-evtol">with the U.S. Air Force's Afwerx Agility Prime program</a>, which has been collaborating with Beta since 2020 to develop military use cases for small electric aircraft such as the Alia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The all-electric Alia prototype that Beta has been utilizing for these military exercises takes off and lands like a conventional airplane, or eCTOL, although the company is also developing a similar eVTOL model. Configured as an air taxi, either model can seat five passengers plus one pilot. The cargo-carrying variant can carry up to 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of payload. Beta expects the eVTOL aircraft to have a range of about 250 miles, while the eCTOL prototype has already flown up to 386 miles on a single charge. The eCTOL model, called CX300, is expected to receive FAA type certification in 2025, with the Alia-250 eVTOL model to follow in 2026.</p>
<p>Beta’s aircraft arrived in Savannah on January 22 and conducted at least 16 sorties in the area before departing for Louisiana on February 3. On its way to Houma-Terrebonne Airport (KHUM) in Louisiana, where Beta conducted <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-02-08/betas-alia-electric-aircraft-touches-down-louisiana-visit-partner-bristow">a flight demonstration with its partner Bristow</a> on February 7, it made pit stops at three small airports: Jimmy Carter Regional Airport (KACJ) in Georgia; Dannelly Field (KMGM) near Montgomery, Alabama; and Mobile Regional Airport (KMOB) in Mobile, Alabama.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Following the flight demonstration at KHUM, the aircraft began its multi-leg trip back to Beta headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont, on February 7. A company spokesperson told <strong>AIN</strong> that it expects the aircraft to arrive back in Vermont by the end of the month. From Houma, it flew to Allen Parish Airport near Oakdale, Louisiana;&nbsp;then on February 8, it flew to Jackson, Mississippi, after making a pit stop at Hardy-Anders Field near the Louisiana-Mississippi border.</p>
<p>It ended the week with a flight to Golden Triangle Regional Airport in eastern Mississippi, where Beta installed one of its aircraft chargers at the Avflight FBO. Avflight is the second FBO operator to partner with Beta, which is also <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-16/atlantic-aviation-expands-plans-evtol-air-services-partnering-joby-and">installing its chargers at Atlantic Aviation FBO locations</a> across the U.S. in partnership with eVTOL developer Archer Aviation.&nbsp;</p>


Air National Guard Trains with Beta's Alia Electric Airplane Prototype

<p>Beta Technologies’ Alia prototype conducted a public flight demonstration in Louisiana on February 7, marking the first flight of an electric aircraft in the Bayou State, according to the Vermont-based manufacturer. The Alia aircraft&nbsp;arrived in Louisiana on February 5,&nbsp;two weeks after it wrapped up a three-month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-30/betas-electric-air-taxi-demonstrates-military-use-cases">deployment on a U.S. Air Force base</a> in Florida. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Together with its partner and customer Bristow Group, Beta hosted a viewing event for the flight at Houma-Terrebonne Airport (KHUM), located about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans. More than 100 attendees witnessed the flight, including Beta customers, local politicians, and airport officials. The piloted prototype&nbsp;made two passes over the airport during the flight, which lasted less than 10 minutes, a company spokesperson told <strong>AIN</strong>.</p>
<p>The airplane that flew in Louisiana was built as a prototype for Beta’s eVTOL aircraft, although it does not have vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Last year Beta announced it would pursue FAA type certification for the conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) configuration of its electric aircraft in addition to the previously planned Alia 250 eVTOL model.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The eCTOL version, called CX300, is expected to enter service in 2025, followed by the Alia 250 eVTOL in 2026. Both can carry a pilot plus five passengers or up to 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of cargo. While Beta anticipates its eVTOL aircraft will have a range of 250 miles, the eCTOL prototype has flown as far as 386 miles (621 kilometers) on a single charge during flight tests.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bristow Group, which operates a global fleet of more than 240 rotorcraft, <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-08-09/bristow-orders-55-betas-alia-250-evtol-aircraft">placed a firm order</a> in August 2022 for five Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft with options for another 50. After Beta announced its plans to certify <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-13/beta-technologies-plans-certify-electric-ctol-airplane">the conventional CX300 model</a>, Bristow placed an additional deposit-backed order for 50 CX300s. Bristow primarily serves customers in the oil and gas sector, although it also provides charter flights and search-and-rescue services.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry has been picking up steam over the past few years, Bristow has been making plans to electrify its fleet. The company has placed orders and signed provisional sales agreements with several other electric aircraft manufacturers, including Lilium, Vertical Aerospace, Electra, Eve Air Mobility, Overair, and Elroy Air.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“We believe aircraft like Beta’s Alia will play an important part in the future of aviation. These new technologies have the potential to make certain missions more efficient, quieter, more accessible, and more sustainable,” said Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw. “We view AAM as a natural extension of Bristow’s core competencies of safe and reliable vertical flight solutions, and we see multiple avenues for Bristow to participate in the emerging AAM value chain.”</p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/BETA%20at%20Montgomery.jpg" width="4032" height="3024" alt="Opening of Beta's recharging equipment at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama" title="Local officials attended a February 5 event to mark the opening of Beta's electric aircraft recharging equipment at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama. (Image: Beta Technologies)">

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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Local officials attended a February 5 event to mark the opening of Beta's electric aircraft recharging equipment at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama. (Image: Beta Technologies)</div>
      
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<figcaption>Local officials attended a February 5 event to mark the opening of Beta's electric aircraft recharging equipment at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama. (Image: Beta Technologies)</figcaption>
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<p>Under its plans to lay the groundwork for electric aircraft operations, Beta recently announced the installation of a pair of recharging stations at Alabama's Montgomery Regional Airport. The equipment was installed last week in partnership with Alabama Power. At an event on February 5, officials from the power company, the airport, Alabama's Department of Transportation watched an Alia aircraft land and take the inaugural charge.</p>
<p>Beta has now installed chargers at 17 sites across the U.S. and it is working on 55 additional locations for public and private applications with commercial, military, and medical partners. The equipment it has developed in-house can charge batteries for multiple aircraft types and ground vehicles.</p>
<p>"As we move closer to getting electric aircraft into operation, it is critical that we are building charging infrastructure where our customers need it," said Beta's chief operations officer Blain Newton. "Montgomery marks the first charger in Alabama as we continue to deploy our chargers in key markets that will help accelerate connectivity among regional and rural communities."</p>


Beta’s Alia Electric Aircraft Touches Down in Louisiana to Visit Partner Bristow

<p>Beta Technologies’ Alia prototype has wrapped up its first deployment with the U.S. Air Force, which is evaluating defense applications for new electric air taxis and eVTOL aircraft. The Vermont-based aircraft developer had its Alia prototype stationed for three months at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle, where the company worked with the Air Force’s 413th Flight Test Squadron to conduct on-base experimentation and operational training.</p>
<p>Beta is developing <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-13/beta-technologies-plans-certify-electric-ctol-airplane">eVTOL and eCTOL</a> (conventional takeoff and landing) versions of its Alia aircraft, both of which will be available in cargo configurations or as five-passenger air taxis. While the company has said it expects the eVTOL aircraft to have a range of about 250 miles, the eCTOL prototype has already flown up to 386 miles on a single charge. The eCTOL model, called CX300, is expected to receive FAA type certification in 2025, with the Alia-250 eVTOL model to follow in 2026.</p>
<p>The U.S. Air Force has been working with Beta since 2020 via its Afwerx Agility Prime program, which aims to advance electric aviation technologies through public-private collaboration. Beta became the first eVTOL developer to receive <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-05-04/us-air-force-awards-airworthiness-approval-betas-alia-evtol-prototype">military airworthiness approval</a>, and Air Force pilots first flew on the Alia prototype in March 2022.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The prototype <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-26/betas-electric-airplane-lands-air-force-base-florida">arrived at Duke Field</a>, a military airport on Eglin AFB, in late October. Beta <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-14/betas-electric-aircraft-and-charging-station-coming-eglin-air-force-base">installed a charging station</a> there in September to enable on-site recharging, which takes less than an hour using the company’s 350-kilowatt, Level 3 DC fast charger. In addition to its two electric aircraft models, Beta is building out a network of charging stations at airports across the U.S. to prepare for the launch of commercial services—and to recharge the Alia prototype during several cross-country treks. Beta has installed its chargers in at least 17 locations so far and has another 55 sites in the permitting or construction process. Just last week, the company installed one at Valdosta Regional Airport in Georgia.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="subheading"><strong>Alia Demonstrates&nbsp;Casualty Evacuation and Maintenance Missions</strong></h3>
<p>During the Alia’s deployment at Eglin, the USAF tested several potential defense use cases for the aircraft, including personnel transport and the delivery of maintenance supplies. For this deployment, the aircraft “was configured for an array of cargo-focused missions” rather than the six-seat, passenger-carrying format, “so we did not need to reconfigure in these instances,” a Beta spokesperson told <strong>AIN</strong>.</p>
<p>Beta and the 413th Flight Test Squadron also conducted a simulated casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) exercise together with the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. For the CASEVAC exercise, a quick reaction force (QRF) flying in an HH-60W combat rescue helicopter transported a Rescue Randy mannequin from a forward operating base (FOB) to another operating location in “friendly territory,” where the dummy patient was transferred to the Alia and flown to a medical facility.&nbsp;</p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/Beta_alia_casevac_eglinAFB.jpg" width="2200" height="1080" alt="Beta's Alia prototype is pictured on the tarmac with an HH-60W combat rescue helicopter flying in the background" title="Beta's Alia prototype conducted a simulated casualty evacuation mission in tandem with an HH-60W combat rescue helicopter. (Photo: Beta Technologies)">

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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Beta's Alia prototype conducted a simulated casualty evacuation mission in tandem with an HH-60W combat rescue helicopter. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</div>
      
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<figcaption>Beta's Alia prototype conducted a simulated casualty evacuation mission in tandem with an HH-60W combat rescue helicopter. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</figcaption>
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<p>“This scenario demonstrates key impacts electric aviation can have on military services, including an increase in response time at the FOB,” Beta officials said in a statement. “The HH-60 was able to initiate the movement of the QRF sooner than if it had to move the patient to definitive medical care. The decision to transport the patient the total distance in the HH-60W [versus] stopping at an intermediate location is based on suitable runway availability and availability of an aircraft for transport such as a C-130.”</p>
<p>According to Beta, a similar CASEVAC mission using a C-130 to transport a patient requires at least three crewmembers and $1,600 in fuel, whereas the Alia completed the simulated mission with just two crewmembers and an energy cost of about $5.</p>
<p>The USAF also tested the Alia prototype in a simulated maintenance recovery team mission. The Alia was sent to collect parts for an F-35 that had landed at Duke Field. It flew from Eglin to the nearby Tyndall Air Force Base to pick up the simulated equipment and brought it back to Duke Field. The trip took about one hour of flight time and cost about $25 in electricity, whereas the same trip in a Ford F-250 would take four hours of driving and $45 worth of fuel, according to Beta.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With its USAF deployment under its belt, Beta’s Alia aircraft will ultimately make its way back to the company’s headquarters in Burlington, Vermont, but it’s not heading straight home. Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft has made numerous short flights around Savannah, Georgia, since it left Florida on January 22. Beta’s spokesperson declined to comment on the Alia’s recent flight activity but said the company intends to share more details about it at a later date.</p>


Beta’s Electric Air Taxi Demonstrates Military Use Cases

<p>Business aviation services group Atlantic Aviation has started installing electric charging stations at its FBOs through a partnership with aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies. The first charger has been installed at Atlantic’s facility at Elmira Regional Airport in upstate New York, and the partners announced on Tuesday they will also install the equipment at Alabama’s Birmingham International Airport, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Mississippi, and Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Massachusetts.</p>
<p>Beta, which is developing both eVTOL and fixed-wing versions of its Alia airplane, has designed its “technology agnostic” charging stations to work with multiple aircraft types, as well as electric ground vehicles. The Vermont-based company has now installed chargers at 17 locations across the U.S. and has another 55 sites in the permitting or construction process.</p>
<p>The existing Beta network of 320 kilowatt "charge cube" units extends south from Vermont to Arkansas and Florida. Installations include one at Eglin Air Force Base, where one of the Alia prototype aircraft has been deployed for several months as part of U.S. Air Force trials. Beta has conducted multiple <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-19/beta-makes-second-cross-country-evtol-flight-charging-infrastructure">extended flights </a>across the U.S. to evaluate the practicalities of charging the Alia aircraft’s batteries between trips.</p>
<h3 class="subheading"><strong>Charging Units Could Be Installed at FBOs Nationwide</strong></h3>
<p>Atlantic’s FBO network covers more than 100 locations across North America. Its “host site agreements” with Beta are intended to provide the infrastructure needed to support anticipated advanced air mobility services with electric aircraft to reduce operating costs of short flights and cut carbon emissions. The charging units have a 50-foot corded reel to give ground support crews greater flexibility when connecting the equipment to aircraft and other vehicles.</p>
<p>“As a premier FBO company, Atlantic Aviation has a strong pulse on the needs of the market and a long history of innovating to meet demand,” said Nate Ward, Beta’s head of charge network development. “Over the past several years, Beta has been focused on deploying a reliable, well-distributed network of fast chargers to enable the entire advanced air mobility industry, and we are aligned with the team at Atlantic on our mission.”</p>
<p>The announcement by Atlantic Aviation and Beta was made a day after rival eVTOL aircraft developer Joby said it is installing its interoperable charging equipment at <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-01-08/clay-lacys-john-wayne-fbo-get-jobys-electric-charging-unit">Clay Lacy Aviation’s FBO</a> at John Wayne Airport in Southern California. This is the first of a planned network of chargers to support anticipated eVTOL air taxi services across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.</p>
<p>Archer Aviation, which is also developing eVTOL aircraft for services including air taxi flights, is also using Beta's charging technology. Last year, it installed a pair of the "charge cube" units at its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-07/archer-aviation-brings-betas-charging-network-west-coast">Salinas test facility</a> in California.&nbsp;</p>


Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Business Aviation Group Installs Beta's Electric Aircraft Charging Stations

<p><span><span><span>Air New Zealand is to introduce up to 23 of Beta Technologies’ Alia electric aircraft to its fleet, based on a deal announced on Tuesday with the manufacturer of the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) model. The agreement covers one firm order, plus options for two more and rights covering an additional&nbsp;20 aircraft.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>The airline intends to use the Alia for cargo service for the New Zealand postal service and&nbsp;plans to announce in early 2024 which two airports will be served in the first phase of operations in 2026. The move is part of Air New Zealand’s wider Mission Next Gen Aircraft decarbonization program, under which it is evaluating other aircraft types, with the Beta vehicle marking the carrier’s first firm purchase commitment.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Beta is also developing an eVTOL version of the five-passenger aircraft, which&nbsp;is expected to complete FAA type certification in 2026. The CTOL model is due to be certified&nbsp;in 2025. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Both aircraft will be manufactured at the company’s newly opened<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-02/beta-opens-net-zero-carbon-electric-aircraft-factory-vermont">&nbsp;factory </a>in Burlington, Vermont. The FAA refers to the CTOL version of the Alia as the CX300 and the VTOL model as the A250.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>According to Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, initial operations with the Alia aircraft will pave the way to adding larger electric aircraft to its fleet in 2030. The airline spent 18 months evaluating the new model.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>“Decarbonizing aviation isn’t easy and we have a lot of work to do,” Foran commented. “We need to accelerate the pace of change in the technology, infrastructure, operations, and regulation. While this aircraft will add to, not replace, our existing fleet, it is a catalyst for that change.”</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>For Air New Zealand, the Alia is likely to fly sectors of around 150 kilometers (94 miles), and so will likely operate at relatively low altitudes of up to 9,800 feet and speeds of up to 270 km/h. In testing conducted to date, the aircraft has flown more than 480 kilometers in various flights. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Earlier this year, the airline said that it is evaluating around nine manufacturers of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, as part of plans to eventually replace its fleet of Dash 8 turboprop aircraft. These manufacturers include Embraer, Heart Aerospace, VoltAero, Cranfield Aerospace, and Eviation.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Beta expects it to take between 40 and 60 minutes to fully recharge the Alia’s batteries. The manufacturer has developed so-called charging cubes that it says can be easily deployed to airports to support network operations.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>On December 1, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced funding to support an expansion of Beta’s flight test and delivery center at Plattsburgh International Airport. Under the state’s economic development and community assistance program, $20 million will be issued in a grant via the Clinton County government as a contribution to the $41 million cost of the project, which is expected to create&nbsp;85 full-time jobs. </span></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Air New Zealand Will Operate Beta's Alia Electric Aircraft from 2026

<p>Archer Aviation is accelerating the adoption of electric aircraft charging infrastructure developed by rival&nbsp;eVTOL manufacturer Beta Technologies with the purchase of several of Beta's multimodal chargers.&nbsp;Beta says it has delivered two chargers to Archer’s flight test facility&nbsp;in Salinas, California, where Archer is conducting a <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-25/archers-midnight-evtol-prototype-aircraft-makes-first-flight">flight test campaign</a> with its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL air taxi. Both Archer and Beta are developing electric air taxis that are expected to be certified and in service by 2025.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-13/beta-technologies-plans-certify-electric-ctol-airplane">CX-300</a> electric fixed-wing airplane and its Alia-250 eVTOL aircraft, Beta has been developing a network of <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-27/beta-installs-first-electric-aircraft-recharging-station-southeast-us">charging stations</a> in the eastern U.S. with its proprietary charge cubes. The Vermont-based company already has chargers online at 14 locations and is working to install more at another 55 other locations along the East and Gulf Coasts. Through its partnership with Archer, Beta’s charging network is now expanding to the West Coast.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A Beta spokesperson told <strong>AIN</strong> that Archer has received the first two deliveries of “a number of Beta's mini cube mobile charging systems,”&nbsp;which the California-based eVTOL developer intends to “rapidly deploy as needed.” In addition to the portable mini cubes, Beta intends to install two permanent charging cubes at Archer's facility in Salinas. Archer and Beta have not disclosed exactly where the additional mini cubes might be deployed. Archer plans to launch its first eVTOL air taxi routes in <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-09/archer-and-united-airlines-announce-evtol-air-taxi-route-between-manhattan">New York City</a> and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-23/archer-and-united-airlines-reveal-first-air-taxi-route-chicago">Chicago</a>, connecting major airports&nbsp;to city centers.</p>
<p>“Fast charging is critical to ensure rapid turnaround times between flights,” said Archer co-founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “A widespread, fast charging system is critical to ensuring electric air taxis reach scale in the coming years and this collaboration between two industry leaders is an exciting step towards achieving that.”</p>
<p>Beta’s standard charge cubes are Level 3 DC fast chargers that produce 350 kilowatts of power, which is enough to charge an eVTOL aircraft such as the Alia or Midnight in under an hour. Each unit stands about four feet tall and features a 50-foot charging cable for easy access. The mini cube, which sits on caster wheels, is a smaller and easily portable Level 3 DC fast charger, but it produces only about 40 kilowatts of power output, Beta’s spokesperson told <strong>AIN</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/beta-mini-cube.jpg" width="2200" height="1088" alt="Beta's &quot;mini cube&quot; mobile charging station is pictured next to a Beta Alia prototype" title="Beta's mini cube is a 40-kilowatt portable fast charger. (Photo: Beta Technologies)">

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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Beta's mini cube is a 40-kilowatt portable fast charger. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</div>
      
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<figcaption>Beta's mini cube is a 40-kilowatt portable fast charger. (Photo: Beta Technologies)</figcaption>
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<p>Both versions of Beta’s chargers are multimodal and interoperable, which means they can charge electric ground vehicles as well as aircraft. The charging systems utilize combined charging standard (CCS) plugs, which are the most commonly used among electric aircraft and ground vehicle manufacturers—with one notable exception being Joby Aviation, a California-based eVTOL developer that has opted to create its own universal charging interface. Joby has not yet revealed the specifications for its proprietary chargers, but the company claims they will be capable of supporting a wider variety&nbsp;of electric vehicles, including larger electric airplanes that could hit the market in the next decade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beta says it designed the chargers to the standards outlined in the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s (GAMA) recent <a href="https://prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/archerv2/fb524537-1541-4d7e-b4b5-0f812862e1a4_Interoperability_of_Electric_Charging_Infrastructure_v1_0.pdf">white paper</a>, “Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure,” which most electric aircraft developers have agreed to follow. The same standard has also been endorsed by the <a href="https://eshop.eurocae.net/eurocae-documents-and-reports/ed-308/#">European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment</a> (EUROCAE). “When we designed our chargers, we saw an opportunity to support the entire sector by using an already peer-reviewed standard, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with Archer now to validate that aim,” said Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark.</p>
<p>“The adoption of a unified charging standard will help promote electric aviation’s development at scale,”&nbsp;said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “Enabling electric aircraft and electric ground vehicles from different manufacturers to share charging infrastructure will help reduce the costs of electrifying existing infrastructure. A common standard will boost confidence in the emerging advanced air mobility sector of our industry and encourage adoption of, and access to, publicly accessible charging networks.”</p>


Read the latest news about Archer Aviation. 

Archer Aviation Brings Beta's Charging Network to the West Coast

<p>Helijet has placed orders for Beta Technologies’ Alia 1-pilot, 5-passenger eVTOLs and that it would operate the aircraft under IFR flight rules. Beta indicated that the Alia would be certified by 2026 and Helijet would begin operations shortly thereafter.</p>
<p>The parties made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon at Helijet’s Victoria Harbour Heliport, later confirming that the deal covers four firm orders and options for four more aircraft. They were&nbsp;joined by a representative from the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) consortium and British Columbia Premier David Eby. During the announcement, Eby reiterated his province’s commitment to its long-standing carbon fuel tax and said that there would be continued provincial and federal support for companies investing in carbon-reducing technologies and related infrastructure.</p>
<p>British Columbia implemented North America’s first carbon tax in 2008 and raised it from $50 to $65 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions earlier this year in line with the minimum federal carbon tax rate. That rate will steadily increase in the coming years. It translated into an additional tax of 49 cents (Canadian) per gallon on Jet-A fuel in 2022 and will rise to $1.08 by 2026. The province also provides grants for businesses switching to the use of greener energy under its CleanBC industry Fund which already has paid C$310 million to participating businesses and will pay another C$282 million between 2022 and 2025.</p>
<p>Helijet CEO Danny Sitnam said the Alia aircraft would create the opportunity to broaden the company’s passenger service network in the Vancouver area by linking its legacy helicopter service to vertiports and vertipads served by the eVTOL network in outlying areas akin to an airline “hub and spoke” network. Helijet currently operates a fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters for both scheduled passenger and charter service. It sees the Alia eVTOL vehicle as a way to expand not only passenger services but also emergency response, air ambulance and organ transfer flights.</p>
<p>"This provincial government recognizes the potential of advanced air mobility to decarbonize the aviation sector, improve regional connectivity, improve emergency response times, and introduce new manufacturing opportunities in our province," Eby commented. "We congratulate Helijet on their exciting news and look forward to British Columbia becoming a leader in the advanced air mobility sector.</p>
<p>The Alia has a range of 250 nm and a top speed of 100 knots. Sitnam also said that the aircraft held the promise of reducing the cost of human organ transport and high-value medical supplies in the region including locally-produced radioactive isotopes.</p>
<h3 class="subheading"><strong>Vancouver to Get First Vertiport</strong></h3>
<p>Helijet is also leading the development of Canada’s first commercial vertiport at its downtown <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-brief/2020-11-02/vancouvers-pioneers-make-case-inclusive-advanced-air-mobility">Vancouver </a>waterfront heliport, which would connect AAM users to an intermodal transportation hub providing road, marine, air, and rail access throughout the region. The company acknowledged that it has shortlisted three other eVTOL aircraft as possible additions to its fleet and it has not ruled out placing orders with other manufacturers.</p>
<p>The operator joined the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-12-16/caam-steps-advanced-air-mobility-projects-canada">CAAM</a>, which now has more than 100 member organizations,&nbsp;&nbsp;in 2019. Other stakeholders in this group include the National Research Council of Canada, Air Canada Cargo, CAE, Iskwew Airlines, InDro Robotics, the University of British Columbia, TransLink, British Columbia Aviation Council, the University of Victoria, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Telus, Transport Canada, the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada.</p>
<p>Founded in 2017, Beta has orders from customers including <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-17/ups-will-test-betas-electric-aircraft-uae-cargo-missions">UPS</a>, Air New Zealand, Blade, and United Therapeutics, as well as contracts with the U.S. Army and Air Force. It is developing both eVTOL and electric conventional takeoff and landing versions of its aircraft.</p>
<p>Beta is exploring options for establishing an industrial base in Canada. It has already established a research and development facility at Montréal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Quebec, which is close to its <a href="&quot;This provincial government recognizes the potential of advanced air mobility to decarbonize the aviation sector, improve regional connectivity, improve emergency response times, and introduce new manufacturing opportunities in our province,&quot; Eby commented. &quot;We congratulate Helijet on their exciting news and look forward to British Columbia becoming a leader in the advanced air mobility sector.">headquarters in Vermont</a>. The company recently conducted what is believed to be the first <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-28/beta-technologies-flies-electric-aircraft-across-border-canada">cross-border eVTOL flight</a> when it flew a prototype from the U.S. to Montreal.</p>


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