BETA Technologies, a U.S.-based aerospace company manufacturing next-generation technologies, today debuted its production-intent ALIA CTOL aircraft at Shannon Airport in Ireland with the support of Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI).
This showcase marks the first in a series of planned stops BETA will make across the continent, which will culminate in the delivery of its ALIA CTOL aircraft to longtime customer, Bristow, for operational previews in Norway.
BETA’s arrival in Ireland, and subsequent journey throughout the European Union (EU), signal a major step toward BETA bringing its highly reliable, low-cost technology to the European market. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which uses electric propulsion to safely, seamlessly, and cost-effectively move people and packages, is poised to unlock new transport and economic opportunities to more than 89 million travelers in Ireland annually, as they travel across the country for business and leisure.
“This is more than just an arrival, it’s a springboard to bring the future of aviation to Europe,” said Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies. “AAM, and our aircraft specifically, is practically purpose-built for the distributed geography and weather conditions of Ireland and the rest of Europe. With its spirit of innovation and growing leadership in future transportation solutions, we see Ireland as a strategic partner and gateway to the broader European aviation market.”
“Partnering with BETA on these historic flights is a milestone moment for FMCI. It epitomizes our mission to support the future of air mobility,” said CEO of FMCI, Russell Vickers. “FMCI serves not just as a launchpad for Irish innovation, but as a landing pad for global pioneers. When companies like BETA come to Ireland, they help accelerate innovation at home, bringing new skills, technologies, and opportunities to our aviation ecosystem. These flights demonstrate real-world innovation, with Ireland acting as a proving ground for what comes next.”
Today BETA introduced its ALIA CTOL aircraft to an audience of Irish government officials, aviation regulators, and industry leaders, as the country – and broader region — prepares for the commercialization of AAM. This aircraft, tail number N214BT, is one of several that BETA has built on the final assembly line at its nearly 200,000 square foot production facility in Vermont, USA as it ramps up production, certification, and delivery efforts.
“It is a pleasure to be here today to welcome BETA Technologies to Ireland as they showcase the next generation of electric aviation,” said Seán Canney TD, Minister for International and Road Transport,
Logistics, Rails and Ports. “This is more than a demonstration — it’s a glimpse into a future of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air transport. As Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, I fully support initiatives that help decarbonise our transport systems and position Ireland as a leader in sustainable mobility. I commend BETA on their vision and ambition, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities this technology will bring for industry and infrastructure across our regions.”
“BETA and the ALIA CTOL aircraft represent the spirit of innovation and fast-paced product development happening in aviation,” said Declan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. “This challenges regulators to keep up, but I am happy to state Europe and specifically Ireland has the necessary safety regulations and certification framework and skills in place to test and bring hybrid and electric aircraft to the market.“
Optimized for payload and range for regional and intra-city flights, BETA’s aircraft is capable of transporting up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo. In addition, the company has developed and is rolling out a network of charge infrastructure that utilizes an industry standard compatible with other air taxi manufacturers and ground vehicles. In developing its state-of-the-art campus near Shannon Airport, FMCI has taken steps to install several BETA Charge Cubes to enable AAM onsite. This installation is expected to take place in 2026.
This stop in Ireland is part of a broader series of European demonstrations BETA has designed to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities, including its electric propulsion system, designed in-house; its quiet and clean flight profile; and its low-cost operations. Following stops in several other countries, with each location offering flight demonstration and local engagement opportunities, BETA will deliver N214BT to Bristow Norway for participation in a Regulatory Sandbox exercise in partnership with the CAA and Avinor.
In addition to its ALIA CTOL and infrastructure, BETA is also manufacturing and certifying the ALIA VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and is developing pilot and maintainer training programs. The company has firm orders coming up for delivery to global operator customers, including UPS, Air New Zealand, United Therapeutics, Bristow, Blade, LCI, Helijet, Metro Aviation, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
BETA Technologies is a Vermont-based aerospace company manufacturing the future of aviation. The company is producing next-generation aircraft, including conventional fixed wing electric airplanes (“ALIA CTOL”) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (“ALIA VTOL”), as well as the technologies that enable them, such as electric propulsion systems, flight controls, and battery packs. In addition, BETA is deploying an infrastructure network across the U.S. to ensure this new class of aircraft has access to reliable charging. To date, the company has installed nearly 50 chargers across the east, west, and gulf coasts. With its low-cost, high reliability, and regional range capabilities, BETA’s products are designed to move goods and people to increase connectivity for rural areas and improve access to healthcare and e-commerce across the U.S. — and beyond.
Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) based in the Shannon Free Zone adjacent to the Shannon Airport, is a cutting-edge research and development hub for advanced mobility solutions. FMCI provides a real-world framework for research, development, and testing, enabling safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport for people and goods alike. Focused on land and air mobility, our state-of-the-art facilities include test vehicles, simulation environments, smart city infrastructure, proving grounds, drone ports, and more.
Driven by our mission to enable innovation, we support organisations from startups and SMEs to international conglomerates by providing the infrastructure, technology, and resources needed to revolutionise the transportation and mobility sectors.