BETA plan will create hundreds of new jobs in the region and emphasize sustainability, access to green aviation and STEM education across Vermont
Vermont Business Magazine BETA Technologies has begun the permitting process to construct its next phase facility in Vermont. The project includes building a state-of-the-art training and assembly facility at Burlington International Airport (BTV). The project is expected to create hundreds of additional new jobs in the coming years, not including construction. The majority of these positions will be in engineering, design and manufacturing.
BETA, founded in 2017, already employs more than 230 people in the state and has experienced significant growth in recent months. The Company is poised to move from research and development of its ALIA, a fully electric and zero operational emission aircraft, to production, with the construction of this new facility.
“I want to thank the community members and local, state and federal officials who have been overwhelmingly supportive since our start a few years ago,” said Kyle Clark, Founder & CEO of BETA. “We look forward to growing together right here at home in Vermont as we enter this next phase. Burlington, and all of Vermont, is full of amazing engineering talent who will help us build the industry’s smartest and safest electric aircraft while staying true to our commitments on total life cycle sustainability while making a positive difference in our community.”
With state and local approvals, BETA is looking to break ground as early as September of this year on a 270,000 square-foot state-of-the-art final assembly facility. Located off of Valley Road and adjacent to the Company’s headquarters at KBTV, it will include office space, research and development, and manufacturing space.
The facility will implement the latest sustainability and environmental strategies from daylighting and natural ventilation to geothermal heating and cooling, on-site solar energy systems with battery storage, grey water reclamation, and stormwater treatment and management. The building will emphasize energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact and include both community and green outdoor spaces to allow the public to be part of the experience.
BETA’s electric aircraft in production, ALIA, is the first of its kind to operate with zero operational emissions. As a result, ALIA meaningfully adds to partners’ efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, providing them with an efficient alternative to their current fleet. BETA’s customers value the full life cycle sustainability from production through retirement. ALIA flies 250 nautical miles, can carry 6 people or up to 1,500 lbs in a large cargo area and has the capability of point-to-point operations, increasing efficiency and reducing negative environmental impacts. All while 10x quieter than a helicopter.
The company currently has contracts with United Therapeutics, UPS, the United States Air Force and Blade.
Today BETA also announced that it closed a $368 million funding round. These funds will support continued development of an integrated system for Electric Vertical Aviation (EVA), which will revolutionize how people and cargo move while reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
“I’m inspired by the innovative spirit at BETA Technologies and what they’re building right here in Vermont,” said Governor Phil Scott. “What BETA Technologies is doing is truly groundbreaking, and will shape the future of our planet for decades to come. Their ingenuity is something our state and nation should be proud of. The State of Vermont stands ready to support BETA’s growth because we know it will provide lasting benefits that help us tackle our workforce, demographic and climate challenges.”
“BETA’s innovation in electric aviation in only a few short years is nothing short of incredible. Their aircraft will move our country toward a greener, more sustainable future. I am delighted that they are choosing to center this work and their production facility in Vermont. BETA’s growth in Vermont is win-win for the local economy and the climate,” said Senator Patrick Leahy.
“I congratulate everyone at Beta Technologies as they start the process of building a new facility. Not only will this expansion allow Beta to continue their work to reduce emissions and fight climate change, but it will also support the company’s efforts to improve the lives of their employees and train the next generation of skilled workers. Small businesses like Beta are the backbone of our economy and our communities — and after such a difficult year for so many Vermonters and Vermont businesses, this expansion is a welcome sign of our state’s recovery. I look forward to seeing more and more companies who value workers and pay a livable wage make their home in Vermont,” said Senator Bernie Sanders.
“Congratulations to BETA on their success to date," said Congressman Peter Welch. “As we recover economically from this pandemic, it will be innovative and growing companies like BETA who help us come back even stronger. I wish them luck as they work through the permitting process to expand and I am so pleased to see this potential growth happening in Vermont.”
“It is great news for the region that BETA has chosen to invest and grow at the Burlington International Airport. I want to congratulate BETA on their success and thank them for their confidence in our airport and our community,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “The City will continue to partner with them and support their growth because of their potential to continue to create many good Burlington area jobs, and because the company is working to make real a vision of a sustainable future powered by renewable electricity that the City shares and is fully committed to."
“Since day one, the team at Burlington International Airport has watched BETA evolve from only a handful of engineers to a growing team of more than 200. They are a great neighbor and partner as we renovate and develop BTV into a modern hub for Vermonters and visitors alike.” said Gene Richards, Burlington International Airport Director.
“We in South Burlington are thrilled that Beta Technologies is planning to expand in our community. BETA is already conducting research and development on a highly innovative hybrid aircraft technology at their headquarters on Airport Drive. We look forward to a strong partnership between the City and BETA as the company continues to grow and create badly needed technology jobs for our region,” said South Burlington City Manager Kevin Dorn.
Founder Kyle Clark, an entrepreneur with an engineering degree, has built several successful businesses in Burlington. BETA combines his love of science and aviation with his commitment to building environmentally sustainable aircraft. Kyle and spouse, Katie, also a founding teammate at BETA, pledge to make BETA about more than growing the company and being first to market with their leading-edge aircraft. They commit to giving back to the state they love.
“We love Vermont and we’re excited to grow this phase here in our home state. That means more than just ensuring BETA’s business success. We want it to mean something for the entire Vermont community,” shared Katie Clark. “We plan to make innovation and aviation more accessible, especially to those who may think it’s out of reach for them through our high-school and college internships and job shadow opportunities for STEM learning and employment. And, we will deepen our commitment to environmental stewardship through responsible and thoughtful business practices and by bringing the world’s first electric aircraft to market.”
“It is incredibly exciting to watch BETA inspire the next generation of builders, scientists, engineers, designers and coders,” said David Young, Superintendent, South Burlington School District. “For kids to believe in their dreams and ideas, they have to see others achieve them and BETA is that role model. We are grateful to have them here in Vermont and appreciate all they do to make aviation and invention available to our students.”
“We are in a high environmental stakes race to get ALIA to market and with customers and contracts already in place, we’re poised to make a big difference for our planet by reducing transportation emissions.” Kyle Clark added. “This facility is absolutely critical to our success.”
This project is subject to state and local permitting now underway. BETA is partnering with a number of local firms for design, development and construction expertise to support the project (Scott & Partners Architecture, Studio III Architects, Stantec, VHB, GBIC, Stewart Construction and PC Construction) and anticipates adding to the talented team as the project progresses through design and into construction.
To learn more about BETA visit: https://www.beta.team/
About BETA
BETA Technologies is creating an electric transportation ecosystem that’s safe, reliable and sustainable. A relentlessly focused team is building an extensive charging infrastructure and ALIA, the world’s most technologically advanced electric vertical aircraft (EVA).
BETA’s platform and products are strikingly simple. Prioritization of safety and a pragmatic approach to certification drive elegant redundancy, appropriate diversity of implementation and simplicity of control. ALIA’s fixed-pitch propellers and centrally located batteries make it an inherently stable aircraft that is safe to fly and easy to maneuver, putting it on a direct path to Part 23 FAA certification.
Every BETA team member is given the opportunity to become flight-certified at no cost, enabling firsthand understanding of aircraft engineering. BETA’s team comes from leading firms and organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the armed services, Boeing, Tesla, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin and General Electric.
Source: South Burlington, VT - May 18, 2021 -- BETA Technologies