Beta Technologies to Certificate New Electric Fixed-wing Aircraft

Beta Technologies announced that it will be producing and certificating electric fixed-wing aircraft called the CX300, following orders placed by Bristow Group, United Therapeutics Corporation, and Air New Zealand.

The CX300, which has undergone qualitative evaluation from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is an electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft newly introduced by the company. It is unable to take off and land like the Alia 250, the company’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that looks similar to the CX300 but has four propellers installed on the top.

The Vermont-based electric aviation company intends to certificate the aircraft within the next two years and introduce electric aircraft into the U.S. under existing regulations — before starting to introduce vertical capabilities and passenger services, said Chief Executive Kyle Clark.

Bristow placed a deposit-backed order for 50 CX300s with the option for 55 more, while Air New Zealand confirmed three with the option to purchase 20 more.

“With its known certification and operational path, this aircraft represents an opportunity to get electric aviation into the market, and into the hands of our customers, as quickly as possible,” said Clark. Beta said it is excited to have another solution that can help customers integrate sustainable solutions and close real missions on day one.

The CX300 has flown 22,000 miles and been flown by pilots from the United States Air Force and US Army.

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