For moving towards sustainable aviation, Vermont-based electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies has announced a major expansion of its facility at Plattsburgh International Airport. This expansion, supported by a $20 million grant from the state of New York, is set to transform the site into a state-of-the-art flight test and aircraft delivery center.
The grant, sourced from the Empire State Development’s Regional Economic and Community Assistance program, is part of a larger $41 million initiative to enhance Beta’s existing facility. This project, in partnership with Clinton County, aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s vision of fostering innovative industries in the state.
Governor Hochul’s office emphasized that the upgraded facility will be pivotal in the manufacturing and final assembly of Beta’s all-electric aircraft. Additionally, it will serve as a permanent center for flight testing, aircraft painting, and customer delivery.
Beta Technologies has been at the forefront of developing eco-friendly aviation solutions with its all-electric Alia aircraft. There are two variants under development: a fixed-wing, conventional take-off and landing type, and an electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
Kyle Clark, the CEO of Beta, highlighted the company’s commitment to revolutionizing aviation through cleaner and more efficient technologies. ”We’ve been developing, flying, and maintaining our electric aircraft at Plattsburgh International Airport since 2017, and in that time we’ve been overwhelmed by the state and county’s support of our vision, ” said Clark.
Plattsburgh, a city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, has been central to Beta’s achievements, including their record-setting 336nm (622km) electric flight from Jamestown to Plattsburgh.
Additionally, Beta is actively working on establishing an extensive network of electric aircraft charging stations along the East Coast. This network already includes installations in three Upstate New York airports – Jamestown, Rome, and Plattsburgh.
For a recent boost to their initiatives, Beta received $169 million from the Export-Import Bank of the US, earmarked for a new manufacturing facility in Burlington, Vermont.
This expansion in New York marks a significant milestone in Beta’s journey and a leap forward in sustainable aviation. As the world moves towards greener transportation solutions, Beta Technologies’ endeavors in New York exemplify the fusion of innovation, community support, and environmental stewardship.
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