Bristow Norway, a subsidiary of Bristow Group, has flown Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia CX300 aircraft at Stavanger airport, marking the first operations of Norway’s Test Arena for Zero and Low Emission Aviation. Conducted in cooperation with airport operator Avinor and Luftfartstilsynet, the civil aviation authority of Norway, the flights are a step toward integrating and scaling AAM in Norway and the surrounding regions. The Test Arena will consist of a series of evaluation flights over the next several months to test likely customer routes at Avinor-owned airports throughout Norway. Early routes will see the Alia fly between Stavanger and Bergen airports, with potential for the programme to expand to additional routes across Norway later this year. The aircraft will be flown by Beta-trained Bristow pilots.

The flight was conducted by Bristow pilot, Jeremy Degagne, and Beta pilot, Nate Dubie. In addition to kicking off Norway’s first Test Arena, this flight represents another key step on the road to commercialising AAM. A Beta-trained Bristow crew will pilot and maintain Beta's aircraft throughout the six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project, helping pave the way for future delivery and integration of this technology into the region.

“As a nation wholly dependent on aviation, today as well as in the future, transitioning to a more sustainable aviation industry is a major priority for my government,” says Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygard. “This first flight represents a significant step on a long and complex journey. As the Test Arena demonstrates, 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.”

“Today’s test flight is an important step in turning climate policy into practical solutions. If we are to succeed with the green transition, we must test, learn and build, not just plan. With this test arena, Norway is taking a leading role in the development of zero-emission aviation, while also creating new opportunities for green jobs and innovation,” adds Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

“Bristow is proud to be a part of this cutting-edge programme, and our participation in this test arena directly aligns with our philosophical 'crawl, walk, run' approach to developing advanced air mobility for commercial operations,” states Dave Stepanek, Bristow’s executive vice president, chief transformation officer. “The information we learn through the test arena programme will provide valuable operational insights that could help operators, manufacturers and regulators better understand how best to move forward towards commercial operations.”

“To be delivering Alia to our partners at Bristow and kicking off operational testing here in Norway is a big moment for Beta,” remarks Shawn Hall, Beta's chief revenue officer. “Bristow has been with us from the start and shares our drive for progress, and Norway, with its spirit of innovation and modernisation, is a perfect place to move this technology forward. Handing off the aircraft to a customer is, in part, a huge milestone, but it's also an important launchpad for all that comes next for the industry.”

Norway has already established itself as a leader in innovative clean mobility, with electric cars comprising 89 percent of new car registrations in 2024. This Test Arena is an evaluation of the benefits of AAM for the region and its residents, as well as an investigation into the requirements to build out an ecosystem for integrated operations.

With its unique design that optimises for payload, range and IFR capabilities, the Alia is well-suited for Norway’s distributed geography and cold-weather conditions.

“This essential and meaningful step will support the industry, accelerate innovation in new mobility and strengthen our expertise. We are excited to continue this critical work,” says Lars Kobberstad, director general of CAA Norway. “Aviation is a safe mode of transport and a well-regulated sector. As the aviation authority, we will ensure that we facilitate testing new technologies and contribute to safe testing and future integrations. We will learn how rules and regulations must evolve to enable new technologies and concepts. Through this, we aim to build the necessary expertise early on for tomorrow's solutions.”

A team of Beta pilots and maintainers have delivered this aircraft, N214BT, to the Test Arena following a weeks-long journey across the EU. The flights, which originated in Shannon, Ireland, have taken Beta's aircraft over the Irish Sea, through the UK, over the English Channel and to the Paris Air Show where the Alia flew every day, followed by Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark and ultimately Norway.