Updated Tuesday, May 27 at 9:13 a.m. EDT to reflect that CX300 test flights in Norway will be piloted rather than uncrewed, as a previous version of this story stated.
In February and March, Beta Technologies flew its all-electric CX300 production aircraft on a six-week, 25-state, 8,000 nm barnstorm across the U.S. Now, the manufacturer is kicking off a European Grand Tour.
Beta will fly the production-intent CX300 across the continent before delivery to its customer Bristow Group in Norway, which in 2022 placed a firm order for the firm’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) variant. It aims to certify that model in 2026 and the CX300 as soon as this year.
“Last time we headed West, now we are headed East,” Beta said in a LinkedIn post teasing the journey.
The tour kicked off with a historic flight at Shannon Airport (EINN) in Ireland on Friday—the first in a series of planned stops designed to demonstrate the aircraft’s all-electric operation and charging infrastructure. It will culminate in “operational previews” in Norway with support from Bristow, airport operator Avinor, and the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Per a Beta spokesperson, more Beta partners are planning demonstrations in Europe that have yet to be announced.
“[Advanced air mobility], and our aircraft specifically, is practically purpose-built for the distributed geography and weather conditions of Ireland and the rest of Europe,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta, in remarks announcing the debut flight—the country’s first with a fully electric aircraft and Beta’s first on another continent. “We see Ireland as a strategic partner and gateway to the broader European aviation market.”
CX300 Lands in Europe
The CX300, tail number N214BT, debuted to an audience of Irish government officials, aviation regulators, and industry leaders at Shannon Airport. Several, including Declan Fitzpatrick, chief executive of the Irish Aviation Authority, and Seán Canney, Ireland’s International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports minister, spoke at the event. Canney described the demonstration as a “glimpse into a future of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air transport.”
“Europe and specifically Ireland has the necessary safety regulations and certification framework and skills in place to test and bring hybrid and electric aircraft to the market,” added Fitzpatrick.
The CX300 produces zero emissions in flight and is designed to carry up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo. According to Beta, it generates 75 percent less emissions than a Cessna 208 Caravan while operating at a fraction of the energy cost per hour. The model has a top cruise speed of 135 knots and demonstrated range of 336 nm, positioning it as an option to decarbonize city-to-city flights.
Per a study by research and development hub Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI), which supported Friday’s demonstration, electric aircraft could “unlock new transport and economic opportunities” for 89 million Irish travelers per year. Beta on Friday said FMCI will install its aircraft-agnostic charging stations—critical for operating a regional network—at Shannon in 2026.
“When companies like Beta come to Ireland, they help accelerate innovation at home, bringing new skills, technologies, and opportunities to our aviation ecosystem,” said Russell Vickers, CEO of FCMI. “These flights demonstrate real-world innovation, with Ireland acting as a proving ground for what comes next.”
Backing Up the Barnstorm
This isn’t Beta’s first rodeo. The company has ambitions for Europe, but its aircraft are built here in the U.S.A.—specifically its production line in Vermont, where another production-intent CX300 began its barnstorm in February.
During that tour, the aircraft flew from Vermont to California and back, visited 82 airfields, and soared over iconic landmarks including the Hollywood sign, the Continental Divide, and Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It completed up to four flights per day through snowstorms and desert heat in VFR, IFR, day, and night conditions.
The tour included a series of demonstrations in Utah, where state agencies are working with Beta to develop electric aircraft routes and charging hubs. Beta has hinted that the CX300 could ferry passengers between venues at the 2034 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, mirroring Archer Aviation’s plans for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Beyond aircraft performance, the barnstorm was a showcase of Beta’s expansive charging network, which spans more than 20 states from California to Maine and Florida. About 50 systems are online, but the company is targeting 150 by the end of the year.
Beta used a charge truck to juice up the CX300 at airports outside its coverage area. It arrived in Ireland by vessel and will rely on mobile chargers, such as its portable Mini Cube, to traverse Europe, a spokesperson said.
After it completes scheduled stops, Beta will deliver the model to Bristow Norway to participate in “sandbox” exercises. Per Bristow, it will initially conduct piloted cargo flights between Stavanger Airport (ENZV) and Bergen Airport (ENBR), beginning in late summer. Electric chargers will be delivered to the airports by June and August, respectively.
“This regulatory sandbox evaluation project exemplifies our philosophy of crawl, walk, run for early adoption of new aviation technologies and solidifies the commitment to our vision to be a leader in innovative and sustainable aviation,” Dave Stepanek, executive vice president and chief transformation officer for Bristow, said in March.
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