Photo: Beta Technologies
Beta Technologies, manufacturer of the Alia electric aircraft, secured government funding for setting up and operating a new facility in Plattsburgh, New York.
Last month, Beta Technologies completed what was considered to be the first flight of an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) in New York. It wasn't a random location. Beta has strong ties to the area, and they are about to become even stronger.
Beta started developing and flight-testing its electric aircraft at the Plattsburgh International Airport in 2017. It culminated with an incredible milestone – the Alia aircraft flew from Jamestown to Plattsburgh, completing the longest-recorded flight of an electric aircraft (336 nautical miles/622 km).
Now, the manufacturer is ready to expand its existing facility in Plattsburgh. The $41 million investment will turn it into a state-of-the-art center with multiple functions. First, it will become a final assembly hub for the Alia aircraft. Second, it will operate as a permanent flight test center. Last but not least, the Plattsburgh facility will become the company's delivery center for its flagship aircraft.
This expansion is supported by New York officials and the local community. Clinton County awarded Beta a $20 million grant through the Empire State Development's Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program. Several universities and schools, including Clarkson University and the Champlain Valley Educational School, are working with the eVTOL company to develop study programs for advanced manufacturing and electric aviation.
Once the new facility is ready for expanded operations, Beta will ensure 85 full-time jobs in the region.
What makes this manufacturer stand out in the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry is its focus on dedicated energy solutions. Its Alia aircraft comes with an electric charging station developed by the same company. Apart from testing and refining the Alia aircraft, Beta has also done pioneering work in terms of electric aircraft infrastructure. It recently inaugurated the first eVTOL charging station in Massachusetts, and it's linked to the first electric charging stations to operate at an Air Force base.
Beta has installed similar stations at 15 locations so far across the US. More than 50 are in production right now at various other airports across the country, and many more will follow. The goal is to develop a nationwide network in support of upcoming electric air taxi services.
Alia will be launched as a five-seat (plus the pilot) air taxi with a 1,400 lbs (635 kg) payload and a medium range of up to 250 miles (463 km). The unusual, innovative design makes it look like a dragonfly but was actually inspired by a bird, the Arctic tern that touches almost every continent during its migration flight.
Other confirmed eVTOL manufacturing hubs in America include Archer's factory in Covington, Georgia, and Joby's new center in Dayton, Ohio, in addition to its pilot hub in Marina, California.
Beta started developing and flight-testing its electric aircraft at the Plattsburgh International Airport in 2017. It culminated with an incredible milestone – the Alia aircraft flew from Jamestown to Plattsburgh, completing the longest-recorded flight of an electric aircraft (336 nautical miles/622 km).
Now, the manufacturer is ready to expand its existing facility in Plattsburgh. The $41 million investment will turn it into a state-of-the-art center with multiple functions. First, it will become a final assembly hub for the Alia aircraft. Second, it will operate as a permanent flight test center. Last but not least, the Plattsburgh facility will become the company's delivery center for its flagship aircraft.
This expansion is supported by New York officials and the local community. Clinton County awarded Beta a $20 million grant through the Empire State Development's Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program. Several universities and schools, including Clarkson University and the Champlain Valley Educational School, are working with the eVTOL company to develop study programs for advanced manufacturing and electric aviation.
Once the new facility is ready for expanded operations, Beta will ensure 85 full-time jobs in the region.
What makes this manufacturer stand out in the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry is its focus on dedicated energy solutions. Its Alia aircraft comes with an electric charging station developed by the same company. Apart from testing and refining the Alia aircraft, Beta has also done pioneering work in terms of electric aircraft infrastructure. It recently inaugurated the first eVTOL charging station in Massachusetts, and it's linked to the first electric charging stations to operate at an Air Force base.
Beta has installed similar stations at 15 locations so far across the US. More than 50 are in production right now at various other airports across the country, and many more will follow. The goal is to develop a nationwide network in support of upcoming electric air taxi services.
Alia will be launched as a five-seat (plus the pilot) air taxi with a 1,400 lbs (635 kg) payload and a medium range of up to 250 miles (463 km). The unusual, innovative design makes it look like a dragonfly but was actually inspired by a bird, the Arctic tern that touches almost every continent during its migration flight.
Other confirmed eVTOL manufacturing hubs in America include Archer's factory in Covington, Georgia, and Joby's new center in Dayton, Ohio, in addition to its pilot hub in Marina, California.
Google News