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Air Ambulance Service Metro Aviation Orders 20 Beta Electric VTOL Aircraft

Deposit-backed order makes Metro one of the first air medical service providers in the U.S. to add electric aircraft to its fleet.

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 at 03:06 PM ET

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Beta’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Alia could join Metro Aviation’s air ambulance network following expected FAA certification in 2026. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

Metro Aviation, a major U.S. air ambulance operator, has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft from manufacturer Beta Technologies.
These eVTOL aircraft, which combine vertical lift with fixed-wing cruising, will be integrated into Metro's air medical network to improve mobility, lower operating costs, and provide zero-emission transport for hospital transfers and emergencies.
Beta's Alia is designed for a range of medical and cargo operations, with FAA certification expected in 2026, and will be supported by Beta's expanding network of electric aircraft charging stations.

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Metro Aviation, which operates air ambulance services across the U.S. using a fleet of more than 150 modified helicopters, plans to add electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to its arsenal.

The Shreveport, Louisiana-based firm on Monday announced it placed a deposit-backed order for as many as 20 Alia VTOL aircraft from manufacturer Beta Technologies. The unique design—which falls under the first new category of aircraft the FAA has created in decades—lifts off vertically like a helicopter but cruises on fixed wings.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.