Utah Partners with Beta To Launch AAM Operations
Beta will install electric aircraft charging stations in Utah
Beta will install its multimodal aircraft charging stations in Utah and work with the state legislature to identify priority routes for electric aircraft, such as Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL and CX300 CTOL aircraft. © Beta Technologies

Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft charging network is poised to expand into the western U.S. under a new partnership with the state of Utah and 47G, Utah’s aerospace and defense association. The partnership aims to lay the groundwork for an advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem in Utah ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

Utah governor Spencer Cox, Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark, and 47G president and CEO Aaron Starks cemented the deal with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on January 28 at 47G’s annual Utah Aerospace & Defense “Day on the Hill” event at Salt Lake City’s Capitol Rotunda. Utah’s Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity also signed letters of support for the agreement.

Under the new partnership, Beta and 47G will work with Utah’s legislature to identify ideal routes for future electric aircraft operations and begin deploying charging infrastructure. They will also examine possible locations for flight demonstrations and pilot training activities, according to Beta.

“Utah is at the epicenter for cutting-edge innovations in the commercial aviation industry that will play a critical role in Utah’s economic future. Utah is not just embracing the future of transportation—we are leading it,” said governor Spencer Cox.

In addition to building a nationwide charging network at airports and FBOs, Beta is also working on two electric aircraft: the Alia CX300 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) airplane and the Alia 250 eVTOL model. The Vermont-based company expects to achieve FAA type certification for the CX300 later this year, followed by the Alia 250 eVTOL in 2026. It has so far installed multimodal chargers for aircraft and ground vehicles at 46 sites in 22 states, mostly along the East Coast and Gulf Coast. 

Utah’s AAM implementation plan aims to initially launch routes with electric airplanes like the CX300 before introducing eVTOL aircraft, which will require the construction of new vertiport infrastructure.

In June 2024, 47G teamed up with the Utah governor’s office, UDOT, and the Utah Inland Port Authority to establish an AAM ecosystem in the state. That initiative, called Project Alta (short for Air Logistics Transportation Alliance), looks to support the launch of electric air taxi services for passengers and expand drone delivery operations.

“Air mobility will eventually change the way people commute, receive life-saving medical supplies, and transport parcels and packages with greater efficiency,” commented 47G’s Aaron Starks.