Beta Technologies and Bristow Mark Historic Milestone with Norway’s Electric Flight Tests
Vermont-based Beta Technologies and helicopter operator Bristow have successfully achieved a historic milestone on September 4, 2025. They completed the first full intercity cargo simulation flight between Stavanger and Bergen, Norway, using the all-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft. This 50-minute flight, covering 160 kilometers, represents a significant advancement in sustainable aviation operations.
The flight is a crucial part of Norway’s international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation. This is a six-month evaluation program running through January 2026. Since the commencement of operations on August 8, the CX300 has completed 24 flights, including visits to multiple Norwegian airports. The aircraft boasts a 400-kilometer range, making it perfectly suited for regional operations in Norway’s distributed geography and cold-weather conditions.
The collaboration between Beta Technologies, Bristow Norway, airport operator Avinor, and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority aims to establish operational frameworks for electric aviation. “This route makes up the cornerstone of this test arena and simulating a cargo mission was an important first step in gathering critical data for the next era of flight operations,” said Dave Stepanek, Bristow’s Chief Transformation Officer.
Source: Luftfartstilsynet