Beta from Norway to New Zealand

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Beta Technologies, Kyle Clark’s electric flight dream, is making inroads promoting clean aviation.  It’s impressive enough an effort the Today Show called.  Beta is not only capturing the attention of mainstream media in the U.S., but overseas with projects in Norway and New Zealand.

The two countries are at extreme ends of the earth, but both share often cold climates, supposedly anethema to battery-powered vehicles.

Electric Flight in a Country Courting EVs

Despite its frigid northern latitude, Norway is on an electric roll.  CNBC headlines, “Norway is set to become the first country to fully transition to electric vehicles.”  The report shows a dramatic increase in EV acceptance.  “The country’s electric vehicle sales have increased from less than 1% of total auto sales in 2010 to a whopping 88.9% last year.”   CNBC notes, “Despite its vast oil and gas reserves, the Nordic country has long been recognized as a global leader in sustainable transportation.”

Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), forecast EVs triumphant in the coming year.  “We have already invited a lot of politicians and different stakeholders to a party on the 13th of February because, we don’t know exactly until the year has ended, but everyone says we will end somewhere between 95% and 100% this year,” Bu told CNBC via video call.

“’So, in times like this with [President Donald] Trump withdrawing the U.S. from the [Paris} climate agreement and everything, I think we need to celebrate the achievements that we have managed,’ she added.”

Beta’s Bringing Zero Emissions to Norway

The Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway), Avinor AS, BETA Technologies, and Bristow Norway AS (a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc.)  have signed a letter of intent (LOI), “To participate in an International Test Arena for Zero- and Low-Emission Aviation in Norway.”

This year, Norway will operate cargo flights using eVTOLs developed by Beta Technologies between the coastal cities of Bergen and Stavanger.The project involves the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, the airport operator Avinor, the electric aircraft developer Betaand Bristow AS – the local subsidiary of the helicopter operator Bristow Group. Initially, the partners will work togetherworking to develop an operational concept for freight transport with the aim of launching a ‘regulatory’According to Avinor, the test flights will take place between Bergen and Stavanger, which will take about85 nautical miles (155 km) apart on the west coast of Norway. Bristow has bases at both locations that support the offshorere oil and gas industry. Transport Minister Nygard said the agreement shows that Norway is “an attractive market for earlyintroduction of new technologies”. It is still unclear which of the types developed by Beta will be tested first. www.beta.team

Patrick Buckles, Beta’s sales lead, explains, “Between Norway’s dense populations and sophisticated infrastructure, there is a real opportunity for this technology to make an impact, and we are excited to be working with outstanding partners as the tip of the spear.”  That “sophisticated infrastructure” is due to cooperation between Norways Civil Aviation Authority and Avinor, “A wholly owned state limited company under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications… responsible for 44 state-owned airports.”

Air New Zealand Leads in Testing Down Under

Air New Zealand will begin testing the Beta CX300 at Hamilton Airport, a small international airport on the North Island.  Part of the airline’s planned electric flights between Hamilton and Wellington (and later Blenheim), initial sorties will allow familiarization with the craft, and ever-expanding flight to nearby airports will enable expanding its, and the “student” pilot’s envelopes.  The airline states that, “The ALIA CX300 aircraft, manufactured in the US by partner BETA Technologies, will allow the airline to understand how this new technology performs in New Zealand before the battery-electric commercial aircraft arrives in 2026 to fly cargo between Wellington and Blenheim.”
ANZ’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin looks forward to the program.  “”We’re so thrilled to be moving into the next generation of aviation. This future is one where we can fulfil our purpose to connect New Zealanders but with a much lower emissions – something we are deeply committed to expediating as quickly as we can to help meet our 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. The technology behind this aircraft is incredible, and we’re very proud to be able to bring it to Aotearoa a little earlier to show the country what the future of domestic air travel will look like.”

With flight training mirroring that of similar operations in Norway, ANZ’s program will enable further evaluation of the CX300’s performance under a variety of climates and circumstances.

Kyle Clark reflects on the program and ANZ’s approach.  “”They have leaned all the way in, working with us step by step to set solid foundations across every part of the ecosystem to ensure successful entry into service. The Tech Demonstrator and chargers will allow us to collect data and refine the operations so Air New Zealand can hit the ground running with low-cost electric service upon delivery of their first certified aircraft.”

First Test Flight of production CSTOL

Back in New York, the first production aircraft has been demonstrating its capabilities, soon to be tested at opposite ends of the world.

Existing and planned charging stations to be used by Beta aircraft on missions. So far, most are on the eastern side of the U. S.

Beta Technologies has shown a readiness to create a charging network to support its craft, and will more than likely be showing that same readiness in working with client worldwide.

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