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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 leading U.S. air ambulance operator, has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 all-electric Alia VTOL aircraft from Beta Technologies.
The Alia VTOLs, which can take off vertically like a helicopter but cruise like a fixed-wing plane, are expected to offer lower operating costs, zero emissions, and improved mobility for air medical services.
Metro Aviation plans to integrate these new aircraft into its existing network for hospital transfers and emergency scene transport, leveraging Beta's developing charging infrastructure across U.S. airports.
The Beta Alia eVTOL, already being explored for medical and emergency response applications by other entities, is anticipated to receive FAA certification in 2026.

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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.