BETA Technologies, Inc. and Signature Aviation recently announced a partnership to install BETA-designed electric charging infrastructure at several on-airport locations along the East Coast of the United States.
This latest infrastructure investment is part of the Signature Renew program, which encompasses various environmentally conscious initiatives, both internally for the company and for its customers.
Jovan Phillips, Signature Renew product manager, said Signature Aviation began working with eVTOL manufacturers in early 2021, and has developed partnerships with several developers – most recently, BETA.
The partnership includes installation of BETA’s charging stations at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and two more stations in Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) and Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK). The companies are exploring the addition of further Charge Cubes throughout strategic points in Signature Aviation’s network.
Charge Cubes Also Power EVs
BETA’s multimodal charging equipment also allows for charging of electric ground support equipment and electric vehicles, including electric crew cars, which in turn contributes to the company’s overall sustainability goals.
“Signature Aviation’s network numbers over 140 locations throughout the United States, including many of the country’s most travelled destinations,” said Phillips. “Using our existing aviation ground support infrastructure in support of the growth of electrified aircraft, we are serving as a platform for innovation and we’re excited to continue growing our presence in this emergent, low-emissions industry.”
“Using our existing aviation ground support infrastructure in support of the growth of electrified aircraft, we are serving as a platform for innovation and we’re excited to continue growing our presence in this emergent, low-emissions industry.”
Jovan Phillips, Signature Renew Product Manager
Kyle Clark, BETA co-founder and CEO, pointed out the importance of using existing facilities and infrastructure to initial eVTOL operations.
“We need networks across the U.S. and are partnering with FBOs to install charging stations,” Clark said, adding that the company is also partnering with several municipalities. “There’s efficiency in using existing infrastructure.”
The BETA Charge Cube was recently certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory, a nationally recognized testing laboratory, validating its safety and readiness for marketplace operations.
Some think electric aircraft aren’t fast enough or don’t have long enough range, but Clark disagrees. Often the ability to land nearer to the intended destination makes up for a slower airspeed. That convenience is possible by taking advantage of the nation’s vast network of general aviation airports and heliports.
“Between energy and maintenance costs, we’ve been proving these savings with thousands of hours on our propulsion systems and aircraft.”
Kyle Clark, BETA Co-Founder and CEO
Clark believes electric aviation will gain popularity as users realize it is not only a more sustainable mode of transportation than traditional fossil fuel-powered aircraft, but it costs less as well.
“Between energy and maintenance costs, we’ve been proving these savings with thousands of hours on our propulsion systems and aircraft,” said Clark.
For Signature Aviation, this is just one step in its sustainability strategy.
“The eVTOL industry possesses a great amount of promise, and throughout Signature’s 81-year history we’ve helped usher in new innovations in an evolving industry, most notably by bringing lower-carbon sustainable aviation fuel to general aviation,” said Phillips. “Not only are we pursuing solutions for electric aviation, we are seeking ways to reduce the carbon emissions for all types of aircraft operators.”
BETA shares a similar partnership with Atlantic Aviation, announcing earlier this year a collaboration to bring electric charging capabilities to four Atlantic locations.
“Not only are we pursuing solutions for electric aviation, we are seeking ways to reduce the carbon emissions for all types of aircraft operators.”
Jovan Phillips, Signature Renew Product Manager
