Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies is set to invest $41 million in the expansion of its existing facility at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York. The site is slated to become a manufacturing and final assembly center for Beta’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVOTLs).
Headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, Beta Technologies is directing the investment to enhance its facilities at Plattsburgh International Airport. The funding comprises $41 million from the company’s budget and an additional $20 million from U.S. funding. In return, Beta commits to generating 85 full-time jobs at the site.
The expanded facility at Plattsburgh International Airport will serve as both a manufacturing and final assembly center for Beta’s eVOTLs and a permanent hub for flight testing and deliveries.
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of Beta, highlighted New York State’s robust workforce and its commitment to supporting next-generation transportation. He stated, “At Beta, we’re focused on making aviation cleaner and more efficient for the future, and that requires a number of pieces including technology, infrastructure, and a capable workforce.”
Beta Technologies secured $375 million in a Series B financing round in 2022, with plans to use the funds for ongoing flight tests of its Alia 250 eVTOL, refining electric propulsion systems, and expanding charging infrastructure. The Series B round was led by TPG’s Rise Climate Fund and Fidelity. In 2021, Beta closed a $368 million Series A financing round and received an order from UPS Flight Forward.
Recently, Beta Technologies announced a partnership with Archer Aviation, another U.S.-based electric air cab developer, to establish an interoperable charging system based on Beta’s technology. The collaboration aims to advance the nationwide deployment of an electric charging network adhering to standards set by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), supporting the widespread electrification of aircraft.
