Erie is set to become part of a growing national network supporting the future of electric aviation.
An experimental electric aircraft operated by BETA Technologies landed in Erie on Thursday as part of a cross-country trip to expand the company’s charging network. The visit also gave company representatives a chance to tour the airport and the future site of an electric aircraft charging station.
An agreement between BETA Technologies and North Coast Air will bring the charging station to Erie, where it will be available for use by multiple electric aircraft operators.
“It’s stopping here, and we’re gonna have this place be one of the fueling stations in their network around the country, so it’s a great opportunity for North Coast Air, as well as the Erie Airport, to bring new technology to the community,” said Derek Martin, executive director of the Erie Regional Airport Authority.
North Coast Air owner Grayson Patterson said Erie was selected because of its strategic location, making it an ideal stop as BETA builds its nationwide charging network.
The BETA CX300 was traveling from the world’s largest air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Vermont when it stopped in Erie.
The aircraft is one of several electric airplanes operating under an experimental certification. It is already approved to carry cargo for companies including Amazon and UPS, helping speed deliveries while demonstrating the potential of electric aviation.
In addition to cargo transportation, officials say electric aircraft could eventually play a larger role in medical flights and time-sensitive organ transport. BETA designs and manufactures the aircraft’s batteries, motors, and flight controls in-house.
“Well, this is some new technology that’s gonna sort of revitalize a lot of things in the United States, from cargo to passengers,” Martin said.