LCI signs agreement for 125 BETA eVTOL aircraft

LCI, a leading aviation company and a subsidiary of the Libra Group, has signed an agreement with BETA Technologies (BETA), developer of a fully integrated electric aviation system, to acquire up to 125 of the company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

LCI’s commitment for BETA’s ALIA-250 eVTOL aircraft will enable the company to sustainably support operations across the globe. Under the terms of the deposit-backed agreement, LCI will initially acquire 50 aircraft with an option for a total of up to 125. The eVTOL aircraft are currently under development at BETA’s facility in Burlington, Vermont.

ALIA produces zero operational emissions, with a maximum range of 250 nautical miles, and is designed to carry five passengers and a pilot or 635kgs of payload. The aircraft will provide sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications including cargo, medical and passenger with true point-to-point operations.  

Key advantages of ALIA include the ability to recharge in under an hour, a net-zero emissions profile, and lower maintenance requirements. BETA is also developing charging infrastructure to support the electric aircraft, as well as electric ground vehicles.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, said: “We are embracing this new era of sustainable flight and BETA Technologies’ innovative approach makes them a natural and credible partner for LCI. We believe that the aircraft’s blend of rechargeable battery power, significant internal capacity, and plentiful range is an optimal one. We are confident it will be a popular choice for operators and end-users seeking to develop and augment their fleets with this truly sustainable technology.”

Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA added: “As a leading aircraft lessor with an established global track record, LCI has a strong pulse on what operators are looking for. We are gratified by their confidence that the solutions we’re building will answer the need for next generation, zero-emission electric aircraft. We are excited to partner with LCI and push adoption of this solution forward within the industry.”

The new eVTOL aircraft will complement LCI’s existing fleet of modern helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, and almost double the number of aircraft on its aviation platform to more than 270 units. In addition, LCI and its parent company, the Libra Group, whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in more than 50 countries, plan to share commercial, financial and supply-chain expertise with BETA through well-established industry networks.

LCI is a helicopter and commercial aircraft company with offices in Dublin, London and Singapore. LCI is the aviation subsidiary the Libra Group, a private international business group whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in more than 50 countries. The Group is active predominantly in aviation, energy, hospitality, real estate, shipping, and diversified investments.

BETA Technologies is creating an electric transportation system that's quiet, safe, reliable and sustainable. ALIA's fixed-pitch propellers and centrally located batteries make it an inherently stable aircraft that is safe to fly and easy to manoeuvre.

www.lciaviation.com

www.beta.team