Vancouver: Canada’s advanced air mobility sector achieved a significant milestone on November 4, as Helijet International and the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) consortium welcomed BETA Technologies’ ALIA CTOL electric aircraft to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) — marking the first-ever flight of BETA’s electric passenger and cargo aircraft into Western Canada.
The event represents a major leap forward in Helijet’s goal to become Canada’s first carrier to operate electric air services. The company plans to use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for both passenger and freight transport, offering a quieter and more sustainable alternative to conventional aviation.
Helijet has already placed a firm order for BETA’s ALIA VTOL A250 model, announced in 2023 with the support of British Columbia Premier David Eby. Once introduced, the aircraft will be integrated into Helijet’s existing network of helicopter routes, connecting south-western British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest with efficient, low-emission air mobility solutions.
Beyond urban and commuter routes, the VTOL version will play a crucial role in healthcare and cargo missions, particularly across rural and remote communities. Through its partnership with Helicopters Without Borders, Helijet aims to expand medical and emergency access to regions that currently lack reliable or affordable air transport.
BETA Technologies, a U.S.-based leader in electric aviation, has been rapidly expanding its Canadian footprint. The company has opened offices in Montréal, landed the first electric aircraft at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, and recently joined the CAAM board to strengthen collaboration on sustainable aviation infrastructure nationwide.
“This milestone reinforces Western Canada’s leadership in sustainable air transport and marks the beginning of a new era in regional connectivity,” said CAAM in a statement.
(Source: AviTrader)
