Florida Electric Flight Demonstrations Advance Regional Aviation Commercialization

Signature Aviation, BETA Technologies, Republic Airways, and Brickyard Connection complete high-cadence flight trials supported by statewide charging infrastructure

Story and Image Credit: Olivia Hannam
www.aaminternational.com

Signature Aviation, BETA Technologies, Republic Airways, and Brickyard Connection have completed a series of high-cadence electric flight demonstrations in Florida aimed at advancing the commercialization of regional electric aviation.

The three-day demonstration campaign at Kissimmee Gateway Airport followed winter flight evaluations conducted earlier this year between Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York. Together, the hot- and cold-weather operations demonstrated the readiness of electric aviation platforms to support cargo, logistics, passenger, and medical transport missions connecting Florida’s metropolitan areas with regional airports throughout the state.

The Florida demonstrations also highlighted newly deployed charging infrastructure developed through Signature Aviation’s Advanced Air Mobility collaboration with BETA Technologies. Installed at Kissimmee Gateway Airport was BETA’s Charge Cube and Thermal Management System, designed to enable ultra-fast charging performance in hot and humid operating conditions.

BETA now has charging infrastructure installed at six airports across Florida, including Kissimmee Gateway Airport, Duke Field and Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Gainesville Regional Airport, Tallahassee International Airport, and Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport.

Simon Newitt, Head of Sales and Support at BETA, commented, “Together, BETA, Republic Airways, and Signature Aviation are demonstrating how aircraft, infrastructure, and operators can unite in a real-world environment to deliver repeatable missions and a clear path to commercialization for all-electric flight. BETA has flown more than 140,000 nautical miles in ALIA aircraft across the globe. That operational experience is what positions us to scale deliberately and efficiently in states like Florida, where near-term, short-haul cargo, medical, and passenger demand is strongest.”

Republic Airways and BETA have continued expanding their collaboration since announcing plans to work together at last year’s Paris Air Show. Activities undertaken by the companies have included pilot training, operational integration, and high-cadence performance evaluations involving BETA’s ALIA CX300 aircraft.

As part of the program, BETA completed customer crew training for three Brickyard pilots through its ALIA CX300 Pilot Training program, including coursework, simulator sessions, and check rides.

The companies also carried out 34 high-cadence flights during a four-day winter campaign between Burlington and Plattsburgh. In Florida, BETA and Brickyard pilots conducted up to nine flight legs per day using the charging infrastructure installed at Kissimmee Airport. Average charging sessions reached 105 kWh per flight, while energy consumption costs averaged $16.80 per leg.

Matt Koscal, President of Republic Airways, added, “Republic Airways is energized by the promise that Advanced Air Mobility brings to the future of regional air travel, for both passengers and cargo. Our collaboration with BETA to test and evaluate the ALIA CTOL aircraft is helping illuminate what’s possible as we explore new ways to expand local air services in Florida and beyond. This work represents an exciting step toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable regional transportation ecosystem.”

Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer, Signature Aviation, stated, “Bringing electric aviation into everyday operations will require a connected infrastructure of operational support and exceptional guest experiences. Through our collaboration with BETA and Republic Airways, we’re helping build the foundation for Advanced Air Mobility by integrating charging capabilities and operational support into the environments where aviation already connects people and communities every day. Demonstrations like this at Orlando International Airport show how our industry can work together to bring practical electric aviation operations to Florida and beyond.”

The demonstration campaign concluded on May 18 with an event at Orlando International Airport attended by more than 120 industry leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders at Signature Aviation’s Arnold Palmer Hangar.

During the event, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Lance Lyttle discussed Florida’s growing role in electric aviation commercialization, including participation in the FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. BETA plans to work alongside Republic Airways and Metro Aviation on cargo and medical logistics operations designed to improve connectivity across Florida’s active short-haul corridors.

Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said, “Orlando International Airport is proud to host this milestone demonstration and to work alongside partners like BETA, Republic Airways, and Signature Aviation as electric aviation moves from promise into practical operations. As a Florida gateway, we’re focused on preparing the infrastructure and operating environment that will enable safe, reliable innovation to support near-term cargo, medical, and passenger missions. The event will hopefully help to strengthen connectivity across the state.”

… notes from SP

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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