Utah is taking a bold step into the future of aviation with Beta Technologies' advanced electric aircraft, a collaborative effort between public and private sectors, state officials and industry leaders.
Utah is soaring into the future of transportation with a groundbreaking public-private partnership, culminating in the arrival of Beta Technologies' cutting-edge electric aircraft, ALIA.
Just weeks after 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) signed a historic MOU with industry-leading electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, this week BETA has been conducting demonstration flights at six airports across the state, including Salt Lake City and Provo; Heber, Logan and Ogden, and Vernal.
Supported by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), this ground-breaking collaboration aims to establish a statewide electric charging network and pilot training programs while integrating BETA’s ALIA aircraft into Utah’s transportation ecosystem.
A Collaborative Vision for Air Mobility
47G CEO and President Aaron Starks, who underscored Utah’s unique approach to collaboration. "What we’ve done here in the state is pretty unique. We’ve successfully brought together partners in a meaningful way to get things done," Starks said. He expressed gratitude to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) team and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity for laying the groundwork for advanced air mobility in the state.
Carlos M. Braceras, UDOT’s Executive Director, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, "It’s exciting to witness this glimpse into the future of transportation. In Utah, we pride ourselves on being a hub for innovation, and Governor Cox is a strong supporter of these advancements." Although the governor couldn’t attend, Braceras relayed his appreciation for Beta Technologies and its role in shaping the future of transportation.
Braceras likened the advancements to "something out of The Jetsons," emphasizing that when transportation is seamless, people can move freely and safely. He also acknowledged the Utah legislature for approving $2 million in funding to begin installing electric charging stations at airports, ensuring the necessary infrastructure for this emerging technology.
Economic and Workforce Impact
Ryan Starks, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, highlighted the aerospace and defense sector’s significant role in Utah’s economy, contributing nearly 20% of the state’s GDP. "When we factor in this technology and our partnership with BETA, we’re looking at transformative changes over the next decade," Starks said. He noted the potential benefits in tourism, film production, life sciences, and cargo transport, predicting an additional $2 billion in tax revenue due to these investments.
Starks also emphasized workforce development, sharing a personal story about his son enrolling in a local drone program. "The impact of this technology is real and tangible. Companies like BETA will create new career pathways for the next generation of pilots, engineers, and technicians."
Emma Davis, a Vermont-based flight test engineer at BETA Technologies, played a key role in flying the ALIA electric aircraft from Vermont to Utah. A Utah State University graduate with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a master’s in aerospace (2017), Davis is part of the test flight team ensuring the aircraft’s performance.
Today, the ALIA aircraft flew to Vernal via Heber and will soon return to Vermont, making multiple recharging stops with support from a Charge Cube-equipped vehicle, as it is too early for airports to have appropriate charging infrastructure in place, a situation will change within the next few years as electric aviation becomes more mainstream.
Davis shared some surprising aspects of electric aviation with TechBuzz:
“One thing that surprises people, especially during landing, is how quiet it is. They always say, ‘Wow, that's quiet!’ Then they usually follow up with, ‘Wow, that's way bigger than I thought it would be.’”
She added, “When I tell airports we’re bringing an electric aircraft, they often expect a small two-seater. They're shocked when we arrive with a 7,000-pound aircraft.”
The aircraft flown from Vermont is the first off the production line, though similar models have been tested for over five years.
According to the 47G Project Alta timeline, testing will begin this year with small cargo deliveries for first responders and medical use. Larger cargo operations are planned for 2027–2028, with passenger travel expected after 2030, pending successful development and achieving milestones.
A Historic Leap in Aviation
Bill Wyatt, Executive Director of Salt Lake International Airport, contextualized the significance of this innovation. "This is the first major new aircraft type in nearly 80 years. The last comparable leap in commercial aviation was the KC-135. Today, we stand at the threshold of the next great transformation in air travel."
Jake Goldman of BETA Technologies concluded the event by highlighting the company’s vision. "We’re building the next generation of aircraft—lower cost, more reliable, and sustainable. For Utah, this means improved cargo and medical transport over diverse terrain and a new way for people to travel efficiently." He emphasized the need for supporting infrastructure, acknowledging state leaders for securing funding to deploy charging stations.
Goldman also shared BETA’s ambitious timeline: "In just six weeks, we moved from signing a formal agreement with the state to standing in front of this aircraft. Commercialization is on the horizon, with deployment beginning as soon as next year. By the time Utah hosts the Olympics in 2034, we’ll be operating at full scale, revolutionizing air mobility."
Looking Ahead
With this historic partnership, Utah is positioning itself as a leader in the future of air mobility. The arrival of ALIA represents more than just technological advancement—it signifies a shift toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation network.
According to the 47G Project Alta timeline, testing will begin this year with small cargo deliveries for first responders and medical use. Larger cargo operations are planned for 2027–2028, with passenger travel expected after 2030, pending successful development and achieving milestones.
For more information, visit BETA Technologies.