Signature Aviation, Beta Technologies, Republic Airways Holdings and Brickyard Connection have completed a series of electric flight demonstrations in Florida after earlier cold-weather operations in Vermont and New York, as the companies continue evaluating regional commercial applications for electric aircraft.

The latest campaign at Kissimmee Gateway Airport followed winter demonstrations between Burlington and Plattsburgh earlier this year, with the combined trials intended to assess how electric aircraft and charging infrastructure perform across contrasting operating environments.

Signature Aviation has expanded its advanced air mobility infrastructure in Florida through its partnership with Beta, including the commissioning of a Beta Charge Cube and thermal management system at Kissimmee Gateway Airport designed to support rapid charging in high temperatures and humidity.

Beta now has charging infrastructure installed at six airports across Florida including Kissimmee Gateway Airport, Duke Field, Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Gainesville Regional Airport, Tallahassee International Airport and Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport.

“Together, Beta, Republic Airways and Signature Aviation are demonstrating how aircraft, infrastructure and operators can unite in a real-world environment to deliver repeatable missions and a clear path to commercialisation for all-electric flight,” says Simon Newitt, head of sales and support at Beta. “Beta has flown more than 140,000 nautical miles in Alia aircraft across the globe. That operational experience is what positions us to scale deliberately and efficiently in states like Florida, where near-term, short-haul cargo, medical and passenger demand is strongest.”

Since announcing their partnership at the Paris Air Show last year, Beta and Republic have completed pilot training activities, operational integration work and repeated flight evaluations involving Beta’s Alia CX300 aircraft.

Beta delivered training to three Brickyard pilots through coursework, simulator sessions and check rides before the companies carried out 34 flights across four days between Burlington and Plattsburgh during winter operations.

The Florida campaign then saw Beta and Brickyard pilots fly up to nine legs per day from Kissimmee Airport using Signature Aviation’s charging infrastructure. The demonstrations averaged 105 kWh charging sessions per flight with reported energy consumption of $16.80 per leg.

“Republic Airways is energised by the promise that advanced air mobility brings to the future of regional air travel, for both passengers and cargo,” adds Matt Koscal, president, Republic Airways.