Loganair has signed a term sheet with US aircraft manufacturer BETA Technologies to acquire five ALIA CX300 conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) electric aircraft.
The order comes as the airline prepares to introduce electric regional services. The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, also includes options for a further five aircraft.
It follows a successful demonstration programme earlier this year in which BETA’s ALIA aircraft completed flights across Loganair’s Scottish network.
The airline expects the first aircraft to enter commercial service in 2029, subject to certification and regulatory approvals.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive of Loganair, said:This is a truly historic moment for Loganair and for European aviation. Our demonstration programme earlier this year proved that electric aviation is no longer a future concept, it is a viable commercial opportunity. The aircraft demonstrated the potential to reduce operating costs by up to 80% while maintaining the reliable regional connectivity our customers and communities depend on.
Signing this agreement is the natural next step in that journey. It reflects our confidence in the technology, our partnership with BETA, and our ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable regional aviation. We look forward to working together as we prepare to bring these aircraft into commercial service.
The ALIA CX300 is designed for short regional routes and operates from conventional runways rather than requiring dedicated vertical take-off infrastructure. The aircraft can recharge in 20 to 40 minutes using the company’s fast-charging system.
The aircraft’s range aligns with much of Loganair’s existing network, where many routes between mainland Scotland and island communities are under 100 miles. These services provide essential connectivity for areas where rail and road links are limited or unavailable.
Indeed, earlier this year, Simon McNamara, Head of Government & Corporate Affairs at Loganair, stressed that the industry should not dismiss the commercial utility of electric and hydrogen aircraft simply because they cannot yet be scaled to full-size aircraft. In fact, Loganair’s shortest flight lasts just 90 seconds between Westray and Papa Westray.
The agreement follows a demonstration programme completed in March 2026, during which the ALIA CX300 undertook 23 flights over 10 days across Loganair’s network. The aircraft connected Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Kirkwall, covering more than 1,000 nautical miles.
The trial evaluated aircraft performance alongside airport operations, charging infrastructure, ground handling procedures and integration with existing airspace and airport systems under operational conditions.
Once introduced, the electric aircraft are expected to support both passenger and cargo services across Loganair’s network. The agreement also includes plans for technical support and fleet integration as the airline prepares for entry into service.
If the aircraft enter service as planned, Loganair aims to become the first commercial airline in Europe to operate an electric aircraft fleet. The deployment will depend on the aircraft completing certification and the supporting charging infrastructure being established across the airline’s network.
Kyle Clark, Founder and Chief Executive of BETA Technologies, said:Loganair has spent six decades connecting communities that rely on air travel, so their standard for new technology is appropriately high. We met that standard the only way it can be met, by flying more than a thousand nautical miles across their network, on their routes, and in their conditions. This agreement is what happens when demonstrated performance meets an operator serious about the future of regional aviation.
