BETA ALIA CX300
The ALIA CX300 from the American company BETA Technologies is one of many electric aircraft currently under development. A major difference from the aircraft that still only exist on the drawing board is that the CX300 has been flying for a few years and recently reached the quarter-million-kilometre mark, albeit with experimental approval. The aircraft has a maximum range of over 600 kilometres.
Intended uses
The CX300 is designed as a practical, regional electric aircraft. Its main applications are cargo operations and passenger transport for up to five passengers on short regional routes. This makes it particularly suitable for business shuttles between regional airports and as a so-called feeder to larger hubs, such as Schiphol. The version that visited Twente Airport is the cargo version. Among other things, it is used for the urgent transport of medical supplies and critical cargo.
Certification
For flights over the Netherlands, BETA received a special exemption to operate this experimental aircraft. Final approval by the US FAA (and subsequently by EASA) is expected in the course of this year or next. At present, the Pipistrel Velis Electro is the only electric aircraft with an EASA type certificate. This aircraft already visits Twente on a regular basis.
e-Smart Avia
The test flights in the Netherlands have been made possible by the new zero-emission cargo airline e-Smart Avia. With the ALIA, this company aims to establish a network of zero-emission cargo flights across Europe and the Middle East. To this end, e-Smart Avia has placed orders for several ALIA CX300s in cargo configuration. It is possible that Twente Airport will also be served in the future.
