Beta Technologies demonstrates Alia CTOL flight

On Feb. 7, vertical flight solutions company Bristow Group Inc. (Houston, Texas, U.S.) and advanced air mobility (AAM) company Beta Technologies (South Burlington, Vt., U.S.) showcased their strategic partnership with a flight demonstration of the Alia conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft in Houma, Louisiana.

During the event, which consisted of more than 100 local politicians, airport officials, customers and subject matter experts, Alia made several passes over the airfield to exhibit its capabilities and maneuverability. Its focus is not just on innovation, Beta Technologies notes, but on operationalizing electric propulsion in critical areas such as the Gulf of Mexico — a major service region for Bristow.

Bristow and Beta have had a strategic partnership since 2021. In August 2022, Bristow placed a firm order for five Beta Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. When the AAM company announced its plans to certify an eCTOL, Bristow placed an additional deposit-backed order for up to 50 eCTOLs. Bristow leverages its 75-plus years of experience and working with strategic partners, like Beta, to help make AAM operations a reality.

“These new technologies [eVTOLs] have the potential to make certain missions more efficient, quieter, more accessible and more sustainable,” Bristow’s president and CEO Chris Bradshaw says. “We view AAM as a natural extension of Bristow’s core competencies of safe and reliable vertical flight solutions, and we see multiple avenues for Bristow to participate in the emerging AAM value chain.”

For related information, read “Beta Technologies completes first Alia deployment with U.S. DOD.”