Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM), the federal industry association for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Canada, today announced BETA Technologies, flew its ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft in a demonstration flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in addition to Canada’s first purchase of a BETA electric charger by Stolport.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on Toronto Island just minutes from downtown, has long been a central hub for regional connectivity.
The arrival of BETA’s electric ALIA CTOL aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport positions the airport as a leader in Canada’s transition toward zero-emission aviation.
RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport said: “Electric aircraft technology will contribute to the future of aviation and promises air travel that is cleaner, greener, and quieter, which aligns with our strategic goals at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
“PortsToronto was delighted to host BETA Industries and witness innovation in action in today’s demonstration flight.
“The future of electric aviation is not about the distant future; it is about the here and now, and we need to provide the conditions and leadership to ensure the effective adoption of this sustainable technology.
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is well positioned to be an early adopter of new technology, such as this electric aircraft, to enhance its service offering and make investments in modernizing our operations.”
Stolport also acquired a BETA Mini Cube charger for its operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
The portable unit delivers 60 kWh of power and is both multimodal and interoperable, allowing it to charge electric aircraft as well as ground vehicles, marking BETA’s first charger sale in Canada.
JR Hammond, Executive Director of Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) said: “The purchase of the BETA Mini Cube charger by Stolport at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is not just a first for Toronto, it is a milestone for all of Canada.
“This shows that advanced air mobility is moving beyond concept and demonstration into operational reality.
“Airports and FBOs across the country can look to this as an example of how to prepare for the future of aviation.”
BETA has brought 52 chargers online at site locations across the U.S. for public and private use by commercial, military, and medical entities.
These sites, which have been installed in partnership with airports, FBOs, government agencies, and OEMs, set the foundation to bring electric aviation to both metropolitan areas as well as rural and hard-to-reach communities with limited access to air transportation.
Nicolas Pappalardo, CEO, Stolport “Joining BETA’s global charging network is more than an operational upgrade – it is a commitment to being on the leading and greening edge of aviation in Canada.