How a U.S. Company Enabled Norway’s First Electric Aircraft Trials

Six-month operational test campaign involved regulators, airports, operators, and other key stakeholders.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, February 04, 2026 at 04:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A Beta Alia electric aircraft operated by Bristow flies over western Norway during the country’s first national electric aviation test project. [Credit: Bristow Group]

Key Takeaways:

Norway successfully completed its first electric aviation test project, featuring helicopter operator Bristow Group flying Beta Technologies' all-electric Alia CX300 over 100 times between major Norwegian cities, covering more than 8,700 nm over six months.
The test campaign validated the aircraft's performance, charging infrastructure, and operational procedures, including in winter conditions, demonstrating how electric aircraft can be safely integrated into Norway's regulated airspace.
This initiative provided crucial real-world operational and safety experience, informing future regulatory development, airport infrastructure needs, and the commercial viability of electric aviation in Norway and internationally.

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Above the fjords of Norway, a coalition of regulators and private companies have quietly—in the literal sense—achieved a major aviation milestone for the country.

January 28 marked the culmination of Norway’s first electric aviation test project, a six-month operational flight campaign that saw helicopter operator Bristow Group fly Vermont-based Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia CX300 between Norwegian airports more than 100 times. The aircraft covered more than 8,700 nm and completed the first electric flights between major cities in Norway.