27 May 2025
A fully electric aircraft designed, developed and built in the US, the Alia CX300 from Beta Technologies, has arrived in the UK as part of a European tour.
The five-seat aircraft was transported to Shannon Airport, Ireland and has since flown to Weston Airport, Dublin. From there it was flown across the Irish Sea to Liverpool Airport on a 1 hour 18 minutes flight.
From Liverpool, the Alia CX300, reg N214BT, flew to Birmingham in 43 minutes, and is currently at Coventry Airport, according to FlightRadar24.com
Beta Alia CX500 flying by the famous Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. Photos: Beta
The Alia CX300 is not an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft but a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) electric aircraft designed for regional transport.
It can accommodate up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds (566kg) of cargo, has a maximum range of 336nm and a cruise speed of 135 knots. Beta claims the aircraft operates at a fraction of the energy cost of traditional aircraft, producing 75% fewer emissions than, say, a Cessna 208 Caravan.
Cliffs of Moher from the Alia’s cockpit
Beta’s European Grand Tour aims to demonstrate the Alia CX300’s capabilities across various European regions. The aircraft is scheduled to make several stops en route to Norway, where it will be delivered to launch customer Bristow Group.
In Norway, the aircraft will participate in operational trials supported by Avinor and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
Beta Technologies is also collaborating with Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) to develop charging infrastructure compatible with various electric aircraft and ground vehicles. FMCI plans to install Beta’s charging stations at Shannon Airport by 2026, integrating electric aviation into Ireland’s transport system.
The European tour follows Beta’s successful US trip earlier this year, when the Alia CX300 flew 8,000nm miles across 25 states, demonstrating its reliability and the company’s growing charging network.
