Large Rotary Wing Service Provider Inks Deal for Electric Aircraft

The Bristow Group has gone in on BETA Technologies’ ALIA-250 electronic VTOL aircraft with an order covering up to 55 of the aircraft. 

The vertical flight specialist seems confident in the new technology, placing an order for 5 initial aircraft with the option to procure 50 more. Bristow Group currently operates a range of vertical flight services for its clients, primarily offshore oil & gas transportation, SAR, and transport throughout the Commonwealth and countries worldwide.

The addition of the Alia-250 begins the inevitable transition to next-generation aircraft, a shift away from a purely traditional helicopter fleet as the company looks ahead for future demand. The Alia as ordered sports a 250 nm range, a 1,400 lb payload, and seating for 6 within its carbon-fiber fuselage. Its distributed direct electric propulsion system has 4 horizontally mounted rotors to provide lift to carry its 50-foot wingspan. The Alia will likely join the Bristow Group’s stables just like any other conventionally-powered helicopter, put into use to transport clients to and from their stations offshore. Alia’s battery performance is one of the systems’ biggest draws, being capable of a full recharge in under one hour. The order is a solid ‘get’ for Beta Technologies, who now has a notable client in Bristow. 

"We designed ALIA with reliability, efficiency, and the highest-value cargo in mind, all of which are central to the types of critical missions Bristow carries out on a global stage," said Kyle Clark, CEO of Beta.

"Over the past few months, we've made strides with our flight test program, proving the aircraft is capable of performing in conditions it will see in service. We are gratified by Bristow's confidence in our continued progress, and we look forward to partnering to provide a safe and sustainable system to transform regional transportation.”

“This order firmly positions Bristow as an early adopter and leader in pragmatically developing AAM operations and ushering in a new era in vertical lift solutions," said Bristow chief transformation officer Dave Stepanek. "By leveraging our 70+ years of expertise as a leader in vertical lift, we plan to use the BETA ALIA to safely and reliably move passengers and time-sensitive cargo as part of the development of new regional mobility networks in the U.S. and other strategic locations."

FMI: www.bristowgroup.com, www.beta.team