The BETA Grand Tour
BETA's Grand Tour
Earlier this year, we flew one of our production aircraft across the U.S. on a cross-country journey that took us to 26 states and over 80 airports.
Now — we are taking on Europe! This summer, we are flying around the EU to demonstrate how capable, low-cost, and ready our aircraft is for real-world operations, as well as the economic and social potential AAM will bring to communities across the region.
We have some awesome stops planned for our European Grand Tour — all building toward the delivery of our aircraft to our customer!
Hello, Ireland!
Hi, Europe! We’ve officially launched our Grand Tour at Shannon Airport, introducing electric aviation to the skies over Ireland. Flights over the Cliffs of Moher to County Clare mark the beginning of a series of stops in the country.
Flying East Across Ireland!
After a warm welcome from the IAA, a TD Minister, FMCI, and more, we flew from Shannon Airport to Weston Airport in Dublin, marking not only the first flights of an electric aircraft in Ireland, but one that spanned the entire country.
Crossing the Irish Sea
Launching from Weston, we hit another huge milestone by flying ALIA across the Irish Sea to Liverpool. Our pilots flew and filed the 153-nautical mile (283 kilometer) route VFR, but arrived with IFR energy reserves, demonstrating the aircraft’s regional range.
History of Innovation
From the birthplace of the Beatles to the heart of the Industrial Revolution — ALIA touched down in Birmingham, UK. Once known as the "Workshop of the World," it was a fitting stop in the footsteps of past innovation.
A UK Capital of Mobility
Making our way east across the UK, flying from Birmingham into Coventry. Already a capital for automotive enthusiasts with the Coventry Transport Museum and the British Motor Museum, we’re excited to bring electric aviation into the mix!
To Test Pilot School We Go
We flew into Boscombe Down, the UK’s oldest military testing site, to fly with our friends at the Empire Test Pilot School. It was a thrill for ALIA to join the rich legacy of aircraft and military testing that’s taken place there over the past century plus.
Flying into the Birthplace of British Aviation
ALIA touched down at this historic site of so many aviation firsts in the UK. We’re honored to add the flight of an all-electric aircraft to the impressive list. It was great to meet with so many friends and partners from across the UK!
To the Eastern Shore of the UK
We pressed on with our tour of the UK, flying east toward the eastern-most airport: London Ashford. We took a quick pause to enjoy the cool offerings of Kent’s public airport and take in the beauty of the water before crossing it.
English Channel Crossing
We traveled from London Ashford Airport (Romney Marsh, UK) into Pontoise Cormeilles Airport (Pontoise, France), crossing the English Channel in another first for our electric aircraft. The team flew over 50 nautical miles of open water in a broader 145-nautical mile flight, and landed with plenty of reserves.
Stay in the Pattern
That's all for now. If you want to keep up with our journey across Europe and other BETA adventures, sign up below!
