Republic Airways plugs into electric future with BETA’s ALIA aircraft
Republic Airways is partnering with BETA Technologies to assess the potential of electric aircraft for regional routes in the US.
The move, announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show, forms part of a new memorandum of understanding between the two companies.
Under the agreement, BETA will deliver a pre-certified version of its all-electric ALIA conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft to Republic’s wholly owned subsidiary focused on advanced air mobility, Brickyard Connection, in late 2025.
The aircraft will be used for real-world trials across a range of passenger and cargo operations.
Republic Airways has a fleet of more than 240 Embraer 170/175 aircraft. The fleet is used to provide scheduled passenger service under its codeshare partners’ brands, American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express.
BETA route networks and operating economics
The new partnership includes work to assess route networks, operating economics, infrastructure needs and overall aircraft performance in a regional context.
The six-seat ALIA platform is designed to serve short-haul segments with minimal noise and zero carbon emissions.
“The leadership Republic has demonstrated is once again exemplified here with the launch of a collaborative evaluation of electric aircraft in their robust network,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s founder and CEO.
“The six-seat ALIA is just an entry point for a great transformation of aircraft to an electric future.”
“We’re excited by the opportunities Advanced Air Mobility technologies represent for regional connectivity and BETA’s innovative approach to electric flight aligns with our vision,” said Matt Koscal, Republic Airways’ president and chief commercial officer.
Koscal was one of the passengers in BETA’s first passenger demonstration flight into JFK earlier this month (pictured, top image).
“We’ve been working with BETA for the past 18 months and continue to be impressed – not just by the performance and design of their CTOL aircraft, but by the company’s leadership, culture, and values. We look forward to exploring real-world use cases and our joint pursuit of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel.”
As part of the collaboration, Republic and BETA also plan to consider deploying BETA’s charging technology at existing and future locations for Brickyard Connection. This would support eventual full-scale electric operations.
BETA already has a partnership with Air New Zealand under which the carrier will fly a battery-electric aircraft in a technical demonstrator programme based in Hamilton and Wellington.
The airline has invested in the required charging facilities to support the operation and recharge the aircraft in around 90 minutes.
