Scottish regional airline Loganair has conducted the UK’s first all-electric commercial flight using BETA Technologies’ ALIA CX300 aircraft, marking the start of a two-week demonstration program with Royal Mail for zero-emission mail and freight delivery.
On March 19, the ALIA CX300, registered N214BT, departed Glasgow Airport for Dundee Airport, covering 68 miles in 38 minutes. It then flew from Dundee to Inverness Airport, spanning 85 miles in 54 minutes. These timings demonstrate performance comparable to conventional short-haul operations on regional routes.
The program assesses the aircraft’s capabilities in transporting mail, freight, and medical supplies across Loganair’s network, collecting data on range, turnaround times, and reliability in live commercial conditions. The ALIA CX300, a conventional take-off and landing electric aircraft, offers a range exceeding 250 miles per charge, lower emissions, reduced operating costs, and quieter operations than turboprops.
“This is a real, tangible programme of flying across our network which will provide invaluable data on how an electric aircraft could perform in a real commercial environment,” stated Luke Farajallah, Loganair’s chief executive.
First Minister John Swinney noted the trial positions Scotland to reduce aviation emissions while maintaining regional connectivity. The aircraft arrived in Scotland on March 18, enabling these initial cargo-focused flights to remote communities.