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.
Paris Air Show
We arrived at Paris Le Bourget Airport for the 2025 Paris Air Show, joining one of the most iconic aviation events in the world. ALIA took to the skies each day, flying presentation flights in front of more than 600,000 attendees while our team showcased our business and technology at The Gallery, our spot on the static display area.
Châlons-Vatry
After a week at the Paris Air Show, we headed east to the Champagne region of France.
Metz-Nancy-Lorraine
Before heading north into Luxembourg, we stopped in the Garden City of Metz, one of France's greenest cities.
Luxembourg
The Grand Tour continued as ALIA landed at Luxembourg Findel Airport following our time at the Paris Air Show. It was great to land in the founding nation of the EU, with such a central role in aviation cargo.
Cologne
Cologne is a hub for aviation and e-commerce given the strategic location of its airport. We stopped over there to spend some time with existing and prospective customers, conducting flight demos and route validation exercises.
Münster-Osnabrück
"Lovely low-level flight through the Ruhr valley on a cloudless summer day" - Ted Dudley, BETA Pilot
Hamburg
As we arrived into the Bridge City, we took a tour of the city's iconic skyline at our last stop in Germany for the time being.
Sønderborg
We arrived at our first airport in Denmark, which also happens to be the first airport in Denmark to adopt a digital tower sytem, to a warm welcome.
Copenhagen
Denmark is a global leader in future-focused mobility solutions, so we were excited to fly ALIA into Copenhagen Airport, by way of Sønderborg, to share our technology to some of the country’s primary transportation and industry leaders.
Hans Christian Andersen Airport
Before heading south again, Ted and Scap stopped in Odense at Hans Christian Andersen Airport, named after the famous children's author best known for The Little Mermaid.
Hamburg
We returned to Hamburg for a quick stop and were joined by some familiar faces who were excited to check out ALIA.
Hannover
Our team got a well-deserved city break in Hannover over the weekend before heading to Kassel to part ways with Ted.
Kassel-Calden
ALIA Pilot, Ted Dudley, recieved a water cannon salute on his last leg of The Grand Tour
Wiesbaden
We flew ALIA back to Germany for a stop at Wiesbaden Army Airfield. While there, we displayed and demonstrated the aircraft to numerous base personnel and military officials.
Eisenach-Kindel
Kassel-Calden
Hannover
Hamburg
Sonderborg
Billund
Aalborg
Kristiansand
Stavanger
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!