Loganair, the United Kingdom’s largest regional airline, and BETA Technologies today announced at the Farnborough International Airshow the signing of a “term sheet”, or non-binding business agreement, under which Loganair will purchase five all-electric ALIA conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) (CX300) aircraft, with options for five more.
Most of Loganair’s regional sectors are under 100 miles, squarely within the CX300’s mission profile, say the companies in a press release. The aircraft operates from existing runways and recharges in 20 to 40 minutes using BETA’s fast-charging systems.
Loganair will become Europe’s first commercial airline operating an electric aircraft fleet, continues the press release.
The agreement builds on the UK’s first electric flight demonstration programme completed in March, when BETA’s CTOL flew 23 flights in 10 days across Loganair’s network, connecting Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Kirkwall. The aircraft covered more than 1,000 nautical miles in real-world operational conditions, flying routes to some of Scotland’s most remote communities and validating performance, ground handling, charging and integration into existing airport and airspace systems, and demonstrating a model for short regional routes across the UK.
Expected to enter service in 2029, the aircraft will support passenger and cargo operations across Loganair’s network. The agreement also includes plans for technical support and integration to ensure the aircraft can be introduced seamlessly into Loganair’s existing fleet.
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(Image: BETA Technologies)