Beta Technologies debuts electric aircraft at Shannon airport
Beta Technologies has debuted its electric Alia CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) plane at Shannon Airport with the support of Future Mobility Campus Ireland. The showcase marks the first in a series of planned stops Beta’s CTOL aircraft will make across the continent, culminating in its final delivery to a customer in Norway.
The Vermont-based company’s arrival in Ireland marks a major step toward Beta bringing its low-cost technology to the European market.
Optimised for payload and range for regional and intra-city flights, Beta’s aircraft is capable of transporting up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo. In addition, the company has developed and is rolling out a network of charge infrastructure that utilises an industry standard compatible with other air taxi manufacturers and ground vehicles.
“This is more than just an arrival, it’s a springboard to bring the future of aviation to Europe,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies. “AAM [advanced air mobility], and our aircraft specifically, is practically purpose-built for the distributed geography and weather conditions of Ireland and the rest of Europe. With its spirit of innovation and growing leadership in future transportation solutions, we see Ireland as a strategic partner and gateway to the broader European aviation market.”
CEO of FMCI Russell Vickers added: “Partnering with Beta on these historic flights is a milestone moment for FMCI. It epitomises our mission to support the future of air mobility. FMCI serves not just as a launchpad for Irish innovation, but as a landing pad for global pioneers. When companies like BETA come to Ireland, they help accelerate innovation at home, bringing new skills, technologies, and opportunities to our aviation ecosystem. These flights demonstrate real-world innovation, with Ireland acting as a proving ground for what comes next.”
The aircraft is one of several built on Beta’s final assembly line at its nearly 200,000 square foot production facility as it ramps up production, certification, and delivery efforts.
“BETA and the Alia CTOL aircraft represent the spirit of innovation and fast-paced product development happening in aviation,” said Declan Fitzpatrick, chief executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. “This challenges regulators to keep up, but I am happy to state Europe and specifically Ireland has the necessary safety regulations and certification framework and skills in place to test and bring hybrid and electric aircraft to the market.“
In developing its state-of-the-art campus near Shannon Airport, FMCI intends to install several BETA Charge Cubes in 2026.
Beta is also manufacturing and certifying a vertical take-off and landing aircraft along with pilot and maintainer training programmes.
The company has orders from global operator customers including UPS, Air New Zealand, and the US Department of Defence.
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