Beta and Bristow prepare demo flights in Norway

Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies and helicopter operator Bristow are readying to begin demonstration flights later this year in Norway alongside the domestic regulator and state-owned airport operator Avinor. 

In April 2024, Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway said they will establish Norway as an international test arena for “zero- and low-emission aviation”. Back in March, the first formal agreement for demonstration flights was signed at Bergen Airport, Flesland, with Beta and Bristow Norway AS, a subsidiary of Bristow Group.

Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård said: “The government’s goal in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 [NTP] is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. To achieve this, one billion kroner has been allocated in the NTP. The first major initiative is the establishment of Norway as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft.”

The demonstration flights will be cargo flights conducted using Beta’s Alia CX300 eCTOL aircraft and flown by Bristow Norway. The flights will operate initially between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport, starting from Stavanger in late summer, with the entire route commencing later in the fall.

“We see great value in real-world demonstrations, both to understand performance and mission fit, but also to bring local communities in what this technology offers,” said Patrick Buckles, Beta’s sales lead. “This year, as we operationalise this technology, we’re excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets all over the world, including Norway.”

Beta recently completed the production build of the CX300 that will fly these demonstrations. The aircraft, Beta’s second “production-intent” vehicle, has received airworthiness certification for VFR, IFR, day and night flying from the FAA. It will arrive in Norway later this year.

Karianne Helland Strand, executive vice president for Sustainability, Concept, and Infrastructure Development at Avinor, said: “We seek more knowledge about what different technologies and aircraft require in terms of airport facilities and necessary energy supply needs. For example, we currently have a procurement process underway for fast chargers for electric aircraft in Bergen and Stavanger to accommodate the first test flight.” 

The deadline for the delivery of a charger to be installed at Stavanger Airport is June 1st. Bergen Airport will have a mobile charger, which is to be delivered by August 15th.

Dave Stepanek, chief transformation officer at Bristow Group, said: “This regulatory sandbox evaluation project exemplifies our philosophy of crawl, walk, run for early adoption of new aviation technologies and solidifies the commitment to our vision to be a leader in innovative and sustainable aviation. Bristow Norway is proud and honoured to partner with this distinguished group of leaders in advanced air mobility.”