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.”
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
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.