Helijet Welcomes Beta’s Electric Airplane to Vancouver

Beta Technologies demonstrated its Alia CX300 electric airplane in Vancouver, Canada, this week during a visit to Helijet International. The helicopter operator is vying to become the first Canadian air carrier to provide passenger and cargo air services using eVTOLs.

The experimental Alia CX300 airplane, registered N916LF, touched down at Vancouver International Airport (CYVR) on October 31 following a nine-day tour of Washington State. Helijet, which has its headquarters at CYVR’s south terminal, hosted members of Beta’s team and the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) industry association for a flight demonstration on November 4.

“Helijet is delighted to welcome the first arrival of the CX300 to our terminal here at YVR,” said Helijet president and CEO Danny Sitnam. “Today’s smooth and successful demonstration flight is tangible proof that the future of passenger and cargo flights is aboard quiet and emissions-free aircraft like the CX300 and its counterpart, the Alia eVTOL model from Beta Technologies.”

In 2023, Helijet placed a firm order for four Beta Alia 250 eVTOL models, with options for an additional four. The company has not ordered any of the conventional CX300 models, which Beta aims to bring into service next year before certifying the eVTOL version in 2027. 

Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft will join Helijet’s existing helicopter fleet, comprising 14 Sikorsky S-76 and two Airbus AS350s, which it uses for both scheduled passenger and charter service. Helijet views eVTOL aircraft as a way to expand not only passenger services but also emergency response, air ambulance, and organ transfer flights. The company is also leading the development of Canada’s first commercial vertiport at its downtown Vancouver waterfront heliport.

Vermont-based Beta first flew the Alia CX300 prototype into Canada in September 2023 when it visited Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Beta has also recently begun expanding its electric aircraft charging network into Canada. 

“In the past two years, we have steadily increased our presence in Canada, from opening offices in Montréal, landing the first electric aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, joining the CAAM board, and forging an ongoing partnership with Helijet to help create cargo and passenger solutions for Western Canada,” said Sheradin Fabrizius, Beta’s sales director. “We’re excited for the industry’s growth as we demonstrate that quiet, lower-cost electric aviation is quickly becoming a reality across the continent.”