Beta and Signature Aviation Conclude Florida AAM Demo

Beta Technologies—in cooperation with FBO group Signature Aviation and regional operator Republic Airways Holdings—has completed three days of high-cadence electric flight demonstrations at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) in central Florida using its Alia CX300 airplane.

Vermont-based Beta has installed charging infrastructure at six airports across Florida, including KISM, which was recently equipped with a Beta Charge Cube and thermal management system, enabling rapid charging despite hot, humid weather. Other locations include Duke Field (Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary KEGI) and Bob Sikes Airport (KCEW) in Crestview; Gainesville Regional Airport (KGNV); Tallahassee International Airport (KTLH); and Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (KCRG).

Signature's Beta charging capabilities in Florida are part of a broader partnership that includes additional locations under evaluation and planned for future implementation. 

“Bringing electric aviation into everyday operations will require a connected infrastructure of operational support and exceptional guest experiences,” said Signature chief commercial officer Derek DeCross. “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.”

This latest test follows a winter demonstration campaign in Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York, earlier this year. Notably, the hot- and cold-weather demonstrations proved the readiness of electric commercial aviation to support cargo, logistics, passenger, and medical missions connecting Florida's major metropolitan areas with the regional airports that serve them.

“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,” said Simon Newitt, the airframer's head of sales and support, adding it has flown more than 140,000 nm 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.”