FBO group Avflight is installing Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft charging equipment at four of its airport locations in Michigan. In a joint announcement today, the companies confirmed that charging stations are already operating at Lansing (KLAN) and West Michigan/Holland (KBIV) airports, and will soon be available at Traverse City (KTVC) and Willow Run (KYIP).
This initiative is backed by $2.6 million in Michigan state funding awarded to Vermont-based electric aircraft developer Beta. State officials are eager to support the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) services at regional airports across Michigan.
The latest charging station installations triple the number of FBOs where Avflight will have electric aviation infrastructure. Avflight, an Avfuel group business, already has Beta’s equipment at Akron-Canton (KCAK) in Ohio and Columbus (KUBS) in Mississippi.
According to Beta, its equipment uses the Combined Charging System standard. This means it can be used to charge all types of electric aircraft, and also electric ground vehicles. In late July, Beta flew its Alia electric aircraft at Lansing Airport to demonstrate its capabilities.
“Michigan has a long track record of innovation when it comes to transportation, and this is another example,” said Nate Ward, Beta’s lead for charging network development. “The installation of these four chargers, and the state’s support to do so, represents a meaningful step towards advancing AAM, and delivering benefits to Michigan’s communities and economy.”