Overview
- Loganair and BETA Technologies began UK Civil Aviation Authority–authorized trials with an all-electric ALIA CTOL flight from Glasgow to Dundee on March 20.
- Further flights are planned to Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Orkney to replicate established mail routes across the Highlands and Islands.
- Royal Mail is sending representative letters and parcels to assess the aircraft’s suitability for routine deliveries to remote communities.
- BETA cites a demonstrated range of about 336 nautical miles, payload capacity up to 560 kg and 20–40 minute fast charging using existing runways.
- The CAA said the trials will inform advanced air mobility rules, while UK and Scottish officials backed the effort including a reported £43 million for green aviation, with no commercial electric service announced yet.