Beta Technologies said it formed a partnership with Montgomery Regional Airport (KMGM) to install a charging station for electric aircraft, the first such station in the state of Alabama. Electric utility Alabama Power also worked as a partner on the project.
The Beta-designed charger is capable of powering ground vehicles as well as aircraft. The equipment installed at KMGM includes a Level 3 fast charger located inside the airport fence, mainly for charging aircraft, and a Level 2 charger outside the fence for the public to charge electric vehicles.
Beta has installed a number of charging stations at airports across the U.S. in a continuing effort to develop the electric aviation infrastructure in advance of the anticipated certification of its aircraft. So far, the company has established charging stations at 17 sites and has 55 more under development.
“As we move closer to getting electric aircraft into operation, it is critical that we are building charging infrastructure where our customers need it,” said Blain Newton, Beta’s chief operations officer. “Montgomery marks the first charger in Alabama as we continue to deploy our chargers in key markets that will help accelerate connectivity among regional and rural communities.”
Montgomery Regional held a commissioning event on February 5, including representatives from the airport, Beta, Alabama Power, the Alabama Department of Transportation, and state government. Beta also flew its electric ALIA aircraft to the gathering to receive the first charge.
“The Montgomery Regional Airport is thrilled to welcome the dawn of a cleaner and more sustainable era in aviation with the installation of our new electric aircraft charger—a first for the state of Alabama,” said Wade A. Davis, MGM Executive Director. “With the commissioning of our state-of-the-art electric aircraft charger, we are not only energizing the spirit of innovation but also maintaining a commitment to be environmentally responsible.”
