Nation Signs First Formal Agreement to Demonstrate Zero and Low Emission Aviation

Following up on an April 2024 collaboration, Norway signed its first formal agreement with BETA Technologies and Bristow Norway AS to conduct flight demonstrations for low-emission aircraft. The flights will use BETA’s ALIA CX300 conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) plane.

The initial deal was signed between Avinor and the Norway Civil Aviation Authority, establishing the country as an international testing spot for zero and low-emission aviation technologies. This aims to facilitate the development of new infrastructure that meets the needs of a modernized, sustainable operational environment. However, the agreement had not been taken advantage of until now.

"The government's goal in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 (NTP) is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation,” explained Norway Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygard. “To achieve this, one billion kroner has been allocated in the NTP. The first major initiative is the establishment of Norway as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft.”

The latest contract, signed at Flesland’s Bergen Airport (BGO) on March 4, allows US aircraft manufacturer BETA Technologies to conduct cargo-only demonstration flights using its ALIA CX300 platform. Bristow Norway, a subsidiary of the Bristow Group, will spearhead the flights. The cargo demonstrations will begin in late summer 2025 between Stavanger (SVG) and Bergen airports.

The ALIA CX300 is a fully electric CTOL device powered by one H500A electric motor in a pusher configuration. It is the sister to BETA’s ALIA A250 vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) device, which utilizes four V600A electric lift motors on top of the H500A. BETA recently finalized the CX300’s production design and earned FAA certification for VFR, IFR, day, and night flying.

"We see great value in real-world demonstrations, both to understand performance and mission fit, but also to bring local communities in what this technology offers," expressed Patrick Buckles, BETA's sales lead. "This year, as we operationalize this technology, we're excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets all over the world, including Norway."

FMI: www.beta.team