Vermont-based electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies recently partnered with Bristow Group to bring its Alia aircraft to Houma, Louisiana.
In front of more than 100 local politicians, airport officials, customers and subject matter experts, the companies carried out a flight demonstration using Beta’s Alia eCTOL aircraft on Feb. 7. It was the first time the electric aircraft has flown in the state, with Beta using the demonstration to exhibit its aircraft’s capabilities and maneuverability.
“We believe aircraft like Beta’s Alia will play an important part in the future of aviation,” said Chris Bradshaw, Bristow’s president and CEO. “We view AAM [advanced air mobility] 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.”
Bristow plans to introduce electric and sustainable aviation to its customer base around the world, augmenting and expanding the services it already provides them.
“We designed Alia with the goal of carrying out the most critical missions in a safer, cleaner, and more efficient manner,” said Kyle Clark, Beta’s CEO and founder. “Bristow has built a strong reputation doing this across the globe, and continues to lean forward to what’s next. The team has been a crucial partner to Beta over the years, providing input and support every step of the way — from design to mission application to aircraft handling feedback.”
The eVTOL developer’s partnership with Bristow stems back to 2021. In August 2022, Bristow announced a firm order for five of Beta’s Alia eVTOL aircraft, with the option for an additional 50 units. When Beta announced its plans to certify an eCTOL aircraft, Bristow placed an additional deposit-backed order for up to 50 eCTOLs.
This visit to Bristow comes on the heels of Beta’s successful deployment with the Department of Defense at Duke Field, Eglin Air Force Base, where the company participated in simulated missions, including casualty evacuations and maintenance recovery activities.
On the way down to Duke Field, the Alia eCTOL flew through the Class Bravo airspace of Boston and New York, and became the first electric aircraft to fly in the Flight Restricted Zone of Washington D.C., landing at Joint Base Andrews.
