Canada’s Helijet Makes History with Beta eVTOL Order

An agreement with the British Columbia-based helicopter airline represents the first eVTOL purchase from a Canadian air carrier and Beta’s first sale in the country.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 04:34 PM ET

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A digital rendering of Beta’s Alia-250 eVTOL, with a Helijet livery, flying in the skies above Vancouver, British Columbia. [Courtesy: Helijet]

Key Takeaways:

Helijet International has placed firm orders for Beta Technologies' Alia-250 eVTOL aircraft, becoming the first Canadian air carrier to purchase such a design and planning to offer the country's initial eVTOL passenger and cargo services.
The eVTOL aircraft will be integrated into Helijet's operations in southwest British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest for passenger transport, emergency response, and organ transfer, aiming for quieter, more sustainable, and potentially more affordable flights.
With commercial certification targeted for 2026, the introduction of eVTOLs is projected to generate significant advanced air mobility (AAM) business and passenger growth in the Greater Vancouver area, with Helijet leading the development of a commercial vertiport.

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One of North America’s oldest helicopter airlines plans to add one of aviation’s newest aircraft designs to its fleet.

Helijet International Inc. on Tuesday announced that it placed firm orders for Beta Technologies’ Alia-250 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, becoming the first Canadian air carrier to purchase such a design. Helijet, Beta’s first commercial customer in Canada, also expects to be the first air carrier to offer eVTOL passenger and cargo services in the country.