Beta Technologies flies electric Alia CX300 and sells electric charger to Canada

 
Photo by Kenneth I Swartz – Aeromedia Consulting

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on Toronto Island just minutes from downtown, has long been a central hub for regional connectivity. The arrival of BETA’s electric Alia CTOL aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport positions the airport as a leader in Canada’s transition toward zero-emission aviation.

“Electric aircraft technology will contribute to the future of aviation and promises air travel that is cleaner, greener and quieter, which aligns with our strategic goals at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. PortsToronto was delighted to host BETA Industries and witness innovation in action in today’s demonstration flight. The future of electric aviation is not about the distant future; it is about the here and now, and we need to provide the conditions and leadership to ensure the effective adoption of this sustainable technology. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is well positioned to be an early adopter of new technology, such as this electric aircraft, to enhance its service offering and make investments in modernising our operations,” RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Stolport also acquired a Beta Mini Cube charger for its operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The portable unit delivers 60 kWh of power and is both multimodal and interoperable, allowing it to charge electric aircraft as well as ground vehicles, marking Beta’s first charger sale in Canada.

“The purchase of the Beta Mini Cube charger by Stolport at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is not just a first for Toronto, it is a milestone for all of Canada,” said JR Hammond, Executive Director of Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM). “This shows that advanced air mobility is moving beyond concept and demonstration into operational reality. Airports and FBOs across the country can look to this as an example of how to prepare for the future of aviation.”

Beta has brought 52 chargers online at site locations across the U.S. for public and private use by commercial, military and medical entities. These sites, which have been installed in partnership with airports, FBOs, government agencies and OEMs, set the foundation to bring electric aviation to both metropolitan areas as well as rural and hard-to-reach communities with limited access to air transportation.

“Joining Beta’s global charging network is more than an operational upgrade – it is a commitment to being on the leading and greening edge of aviation in Canada. Stolport is proud to invest in smart infrastructure that enables the economic development of sustainable aviation,” says Nicolas Pappalardo, CEO, Stolport.

The partnership between Beta Technologies, PortsToronto and Stolport demonstrates how collaboration between AAM innovators, airport authorities and infrastructure partners can speed the adoption of sustainable aviation technologies. Beta’s electric Alia CTOL aircraft offers practical performance for regional travel and cargo transport while producing net-zero emissions in flight.

“Between our engineering hub in Montreal and customers in Vancouver, Canada is an important international focus for us. We’re excited to have flown Alia into the heart of Toronto and to be teaming up with Stolport to help electrify Billy Bishop as the region embraces this new form of mobility. We look forward to all of the opportunities we can unlock together for Toronto and beyond,” says Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director, Beta Technologies.

Beta Technologies has steadily increased its presence in Canada over the past 2 years. The company opened an office in Montréal in 2023, focused on engineering and aircraft certification. In the same year, Beta’s electric Alia aircraft became the first electric aircraft to land at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Beta also secured Canada’s first purchase of an eVTOL air craft with Helijet International in October 2023. In September 2024, Beta joined CAAM’s National Board, further strengthening ties to the Canadian advanced air mobility ecosystem.