Beta receives committed order for up to 125 eVTOL aircraft

Vermont-based Beta Technologies has secured a deposit-backed agreement with Ireland-based aircraft leasing company LCI that includes a committed order for 50 of Beta’s Alia-250 eVTOL aircraft, with the option for an additional 75 aircraft.  

“We are embracing this new era of sustainable flight, and Beta Technologies’ innovative approach makes them a natural and credible partner for LCI,” said Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, in a press release. “We believe that the aircraft’s blend of rechargeable battery power, significant internal capacity, and plentiful range is an optimal one.”

The Alia aircraft will join LCI’s existing fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, almost doubling the number of its aircraft to more than 270 units.

The agreement will also see LCI and its parent company, the Libra Group, share their commercial, financial, and supply chain expertise with Beta.

This news comes after the eVTOL developer announced last week that it had secured $375 million in its latest series B funding round, bringing its total amount raised to nearly $800 million.

The Alia aircraft is targeting a maximum range of 250 nautical miles (288 miles or 463 kilometers), while carrying five passengers and a pilot or 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of payload. The company said the aircraft can be used to deliver cargo or medical supplies, or transport passengers.

Beta has already secured partnerships with United Therapeutics to transport organs, UPS to deliver cargo, and Blade Urban Air Mobility to perform passenger-carrying services.

The company is also developing charging infrastructure to support its aircraft, as well as electric ground vehicles.

“As a leading aircraft lessor with an established global track record, LCI has a strong pulse on what operators are looking for,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta. “We are gratified by their confidence that the solutions we’re building will answer the need for next-generation, zero-emission electric aircraft.”