Bristow’s first electric aircraft: BETA Technologies ALIA lands in Norway to begin flight trials
August 8, 2025
Norway has formally launched its Test Arena for Zero and Low Emission Aviation with the first operational flight of BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA CX300. The first flight was conducted by Bristow Norway at Stavanger Airport on 8 August.
The flight marks the start of a months-long demonstration campaign exploring how electric aircraft can support sustainable regional connectivity.
The programme is structured as a regulatory sandbox, allowing real-world evaluation of aircraft, infrastructure, and airspace integration. A BETA-trained Bristow crew will operate the aircraft throughout the campaign.
Bristow placed a firm order for the ALIA-250, the eVTOL variant, in January 2023. It has firm orders for five, and options for an additional 50.
Initial routes will link Stavanger and Bergen, with future flights planned to expand across Norway. The project is designed to evaluate both the technical and operational feasibility of zero-emission aviation in Norway’s cold climate and dispersed geography.
BETA’s ALIA flew thousands of miles to get to Norway
The ALIA CX300, a conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, arrived in Norway after an almost 7,000 km (4,300-mile) delivery journey that included stops in Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark.
The aircraft flew daily at the 2025 Paris Air Show before heading north to begin Norwegian operations. It is the first time a BETA aircraft has been operated by a customer crew outside the United States.
“To be delivering ALIA to our partners at Bristow and kicking off operational testing here in Norway is a big moment,” said Shawn Hall, BETA’s Chief Revenue Officer. “It’s an important launchpad for all that comes next.”
Registered as N214BT, the aircraft will log 50 flight hours in Norway before receiving an FAA market survey certificate, enabling expanded use.
The ALIA CX300 shares systems with BETA’s VTOL variant (ALIA A250) but has progressed more quickly toward certification. FAA type certification is expected by the end of 2025, with EASA approval to follow, opening the door for broader commercial use in Europe.
“This first flight represents a significant step on a long and complex journey,” said Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård. “Cooperation between authorities, airports, manufacturers, operators—and not least, political support—is essential. The systemic approach the Test Arena facilitates is unique, and I am proud that Norway is at the forefront.”
Electric aircraft trial gets support from airports and regulator
Manager of Norway’s airports, Avinor, has supported the programme by installing fast-charging infrastructure at Stavanger, with a mobile charger due at Bergen by mid-August.
CAA Norway is using the Test Arena to gather regulatory insights and develop future frameworks for integrating electric aircraft.
Initially limited to cargo-only flights, the Test Arena will help inform broader use cases. Bristow and BETA are expected to expand their collaboration in line with certification milestones.
“The first flight of the Test Arena is a major milestone for Norwegian aviation and Avinor; as a small, open economy with a dispersed population, Norway is entirely dependent on aviation,” says Abraham Foss, CEO of Avinor. “We are strongly committed to driving the long-term transition to a more sustainable aviation sector, while maintaining strong domestic and international connectivity.”
Norway’s Test Arena represents one of the most advanced live electric aircraft trials in Europe and is expected to help shape regional and international strategies for the future of low-emission flight.
