BETA Technologies and Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) to bring electric aircraft and charging stations to US state
An agreement to bring electric aircraft and charging stations to Utah has been signed by BETA Technologies and 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense today (Tuesday).
In an press release confirming the partnership, it represents a major leap forward in establishing a well-functioning and statewide transportation system in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in the state’s capital Salt Lake City.
Letters of support for the agreement were also signed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, said: “Utah is at the epicenter of cutting-edge innovations in the commercial aviation industry that will play a critical role in Utah’s economic future. Utah is not just embracing the future of transportation—we are leading it.
“We are working to implement an advanced air mobility strategy that provides Utahns more transportation choices, improves air quality through the use of clean energy technologies, and enhances access to jobs, education and recreational opportunities.”
The public-private partnership will help to establish a statewide electric charging network for both aircraft and ground-based vehicles, create pilot training programs and develop a model to forecast flight operations.
It also encourages flight demonstrations that help to educate and engage the public about this new form of transportation. Over the past decade, Utah has been the youngest and fastest-growing state in the country. With nine out of ten Utahns living in urban areas, state leaders are seeking sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to keep Utah moving.
Kyle Clark, BETA Founder and CEO, said: “Utah has a long legacy of excellence in aerospace, which BETA already knows first-hand as many components of our ALIA aircraft are built here. The state’s spirit of innovation and progress has fueled remarkable transformation over the past decade, so this focus on preparing for the future comes as no surprise.
“Governor Cox and the 47G team have a bold vision for how advanced air mobility can revolutionize transportation, expand access, and connect communities across the state. We are excited to help bring this new mode of transport to Utahns.”
Known for its all-electric aircraft named ALIA, BETA has redefined air travel with its ability to transport up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo.
In addition, the company’s Charge Cubes have been accepted as the industry standard by most air taxi manufacturers, and can be used to charge electric ground vehicles, making them a game-changing technological innovation that will further enhance the scalability and sustainability of air transportation while simultaneously helping to meet the needs of electric cars and trucks.
Morgan Stanley has predicted the advanced air mobility (AAM) market will reach a value of $1.5 trillion by 2040 and Utah is well positioned to reap the benefits of this burgeoning industry.
In the state, the AAM industry is forecast to generate 11,000 new full-time jobs, $8 billion in new business activity and related stimulus, and $1.8 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues by 2045.
Jim Grover, managing director of economic growth for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, said: “Utah is proud to join forces with BETA Technologies, UDOT and 47G to redefine how Utahns live, work and build in our great state.
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Utah’s history, positioning our state at the forefront of advanced air mobility. With Utah leading the charge, this landmark opportunity will revolutionize how we travel, connecting our talented workforce across regions, improving healthcare access and assisting with energy development in rural areas.”
UDOT is tasked with ensuring that a new transportation system in the air safely and seamlessly integrates with the existing transportation system on the ground.
In his recently released budget for Fiscal Year 2026, Governor Cox identified $2 million for aircraft charging stations. If approved by the Utah Legislature during its 2025 General Session, UDOT would oversee a competitive procurement process to select a company that can provide charging stations for select airports across the state.
47G Project Alta, short for the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance, is a public-private partnership with a mission to establish an air transportation system for Utah.
In close collaboration with its public and private-sector partners, Project Alta is working to expand existing drone package delivery, institute reliable cargo air transport systems, and move people via air taxis.
Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO, added: “This partnership brings together organizations who all share the vision and collective resources to move Utah into a leading position nationally. Air mobility will eventually change the way people commute, receive life-saving medical supplies and transport parcels and packages with greater efficiency.”