Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Beta Technologies has secured a deposit-backed order for its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft from New Zealand Air Ambulance Service, the Vermont-based manufacturer announced on December 19. The aeromedical charter operator, which is part of Skyline Healthcare Group, plans to use Beta’s electric air taxi to shuttle patients across New Zealand beginning in 2028.
The deal covers the purchase of two Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft plus options for 10 more. New Zealand Air Ambulance Service (NZAAS) is Beta’s second customer in the island country after the flag-carrier airline Air New Zealand, which placed an order for <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-12-11/air-new-zealand-orders-beta-alia-cx300-demonstrator-aircraft">up to 23 Alia CX300</a> conventional takeoff and landing models last year to use for cargo operations.&nbsp;
“This innovative solution redefines air ambulance operations, allowing us to undertake inter-hospital transfers from hospital to hospital in a safe and carbon-neutral platform, which will increase rescue helicopter availability for pre-hospital missions and offer patient transfers at nearly half the cost of traditional rescue helicopters,” said Skyline Healthcare Group CEO Annabel Toogood.&nbsp;
“As an organization we have always been future-focused, and introducing Beta’s cutting-edge eVTOL technology into the New Zealand Air Ambulance Service will complement our existing fleet of fixed-wing and jet aircraft.”&nbsp;
By bringing eVTOL aircraft into the NZAAS fleet, Skyline hopes to “bridge the gap for rural and vulnerable communities, providing seamless access to essential care,” Toogood added.
Beta Technologies developed the Alia 250 eVTOL and Alia CX300 CTOL aircraft for passenger or cargo operations. Its launch customer, United Therapeutics, plans to use both versions of the aircraft to transport human organs. Last month, Beta announced an order from Louisiana-based aeromedical provider <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-05/metro-aviation-orders-betas-alia-250-evtol-aircraft">Metro Aviation</a> for up to 20 eVTOL aircraft.&nbsp;
​​“Alia is capable of diverse mission sets, and with its high reliability and uptime, it lends itself to urgent medical missions like New Zealand Air Ambulance Service,” said Beta sales lead Patrick Buckles. “Our biggest aim with this technology is to increase access and unlock new and critical routes. With its low operating costs, regional range, and runway independence, we are excited for Alia eVTOL to help NZAAS do just that throughout the North and South Islands.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service orders Beta's Alia-250 eVTOL aircraft

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service plans to use a fleet of Beta Technologies' Alia-250 eVTOL aircraft to transport patients needing urgent care.

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

Latest structural tests earned credits towards FAA type certification

Joby Completes Static Load Tests on eVTOL Aircraft Tail

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

Beta Technologies

More In Aircraft

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

Joby Completes Static Load Tests on eVTOL Aircraft Tail

Latest structural tests earned credits towards FAA type certification

Draco Selects MT-Propeller's Quiet Fan Jet for Hyper-STOL Aircraft

Confirmation of engine and avionics partners expected to come soon

Joby Flies eVTOL Aircraft in South Korea

K-UAM Grand Challenge kicks off eVTOL demonstration flights

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN