First Formal Agreement to Use Norway as an International Test Arena for Zero- and Low-Emission Aviation Signed
Norway has signed its first formal agreement to establish an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation. The agreement, signed on March 4, 2025, at Bergen Airport, involves BETA Technologies and Bristow Norway AS.
The initiative will begin with demonstration cargo flights using BETA's ALIA CX300 aircraft between Stavanger and Bergen airports starting in late summer 2025. The aircraft has received FAA certification for VFR, IFR, day and night flying.
The Norwegian government has allocated one billion kroner through the National Transport Plan 2025-2036 to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. Infrastructure preparations include the procurement of fast chargers at Bergen and Stavanger airports, with installation deadlines of June 1 and August 15, respectively.
La Norvegia ha firmato il suo primo accordo formale per stabilire un'arena di test internazionale per l'aviazione a zero e basse emissioni. L'accordo, firmato il 4 marzo 2025, presso l'aeroporto di Bergen, coinvolge BETA Technologies e Bristow Norway AS.
L'iniziativa inizierà con voli dimostrativi di carico utilizzando l'aereo ALIA CX300 di BETA tra gli aeroporti di Stavanger e Bergen, a partire dalla fine dell'estate 2025. L'aereo ha ricevuto la certificazione FAA per VFR, IFR, voli diurni e notturni.
Il governo norvegese ha stanziato un miliardo di corone attraverso il Piano Nazionale dei Trasporti 2025-2036 per accelerare la transizione verso l'aviazione a zero e basse emissioni. I preparativi infrastrutturali includono l'acquisto di caricabatterie rapidi presso gli aeroporti di Bergen e Stavanger, con scadenze di installazione fissate per il 1 giugno e il 15 agosto, rispettivamente.
Noruega ha firmado su primer acuerdo formal para establecer una arena de pruebas internacional para la aviación de cero y bajas emisiones. El acuerdo, firmado el 4 de marzo de 2025, en el aeropuerto de Bergen, involucra a BETA Technologies y Bristow Norway AS.
La iniciativa comenzará con vuelos de carga demostrativos utilizando el avión ALIA CX300 de BETA entre los aeropuertos de Stavanger y Bergen a partir de finales del verano de 2025. El avión ha recibido la certificación de la FAA para VFR, IFR, vuelos diurnos y nocturnos.
El gobierno noruego ha asignado mil millones de coronas a través del Plan Nacional de Transporte 2025-2036 para acelerar la transición hacia la aviación de cero y bajas emisiones. Los preparativos de infraestructura incluyen la adquisición de cargadores rápidos en los aeropuertos de Bergen y Stavanger, con plazos de instalación fijados para el 1 de junio y el 15 de agosto, respectivamente.
노르웨이는 제로 및 저배출 항공을 위한 국제 시험 공간을 설립하기 위한 첫 번째 공식 협약을 체결했습니다. 이 협약은 2025년 3월 4일 베르겐 공항에서 체결되었으며, BETA Technologies와 Bristow Norway AS가 참여합니다.
이 이니셔티브는 2025년 여름 말부터 스타방에르와 베르겐 공항 간에 ALIA CX300 항공기를 이용한 화물 시범 비행으로 시작됩니다. 이 항공기는 VFR, IFR, 주간 및 야간 비행에 대해 FAA 인증을 받았습니다.
노르웨이 정부는 제로 및 저배출 항공으로의 전환을 가속화하기 위해 2025-2036 국가교통계획을 통해 10억 크로네를 배정했습니다. 인프라 준비에는 베르겐 및 스타방에르 공항에 빠른 충전기를 조달하는 것이 포함되며, 설치 마감일은 각각 6월 1일과 8월 15일로 설정되어 있습니다.
La Norvège a signé son premier accord formel pour établir une arène de test internationale pour l'aviation à zéro et faibles émissions. L'accord, signé le 4 mars 2025 à l'aéroport de Bergen, implique BETA Technologies et Bristow Norway AS.
L'initiative commencera par des vols de démonstration de fret utilisant l'avion ALIA CX300 de BETA entre les aéroports de Stavanger et Bergen à partir de la fin de l'été 2025. L'avion a reçu la certification FAA pour les vols VFR, IFR, de jour et de nuit.
Le gouvernement norvégien a alloué un milliard de couronnes dans le cadre du Plan national des transports 2025-2036 pour accélérer la transition vers une aviation à zéro et faibles émissions. Les préparatifs d'infrastructure comprennent l'acquisition de chargeurs rapides dans les aéroports de Bergen et Stavanger, avec des délais d'installation fixés au 1er juin et au 15 août, respectivement.
Norwegen hat sein erstes formelles Abkommen zur Schaffung einer internationalen Testarena für emissionsfreies und emissionsarmes Fliegen unterzeichnet. Das Abkommen, das am 4. März 2025 am Flughafen Bergen unterzeichnet wurde, betrifft BETA Technologies und Bristow Norway AS.
Die Initiative beginnt mit Demonstrationsfrachtflügen mit dem ALIA CX300 Flugzeug von BETA zwischen den Flughäfen Stavanger und Bergen, die Ende Sommer 2025 starten sollen. Das Flugzeug hat die FAA-Zertifizierung für VFR, IFR, Tages- und Nachtflüge erhalten.
Die norwegische Regierung hat im Rahmen des Nationalen Transportplans 2025-2036 eine Milliarde Kronen bereitgestellt, um den Übergang zu emissionsfreier und emissionsarmer Luftfahrt zu beschleunigen. Zu den Infrastrukturvorbereitungen gehört die Beschaffung von Schnellladegeräten an den Flughäfen Bergen und Stavanger, mit Installationsfristen vom 1. Juni und 15. August.
- First-mover advantage in zero-emission aviation testing
- Government backing with 1 billion kroner funding
- FAA certification already secured for test aircraft
- Strategic partnership with established aviation companies
- Initial flights to cargo only, no passenger revenue
- Significant infrastructure investment required
- Technology still in early testing phase
- Uncertain timeline for commercial operations
Insights
Bristow Group's partnership to test BETA's electric ALIA CX300 aircraft in Norway represents a strategic positioning in the emerging zero-emission aviation market. This formal agreement allows Bristow Norway to conduct cargo demonstration flights between Stavanger and Bergen starting in Q3 2025, creating a first-mover advantage in operational knowledge of electric aircraft.
The regulatory sandbox approach is particularly valuable, as it allows Bristow to gain practical experience with electric aircraft in a supportive regulatory environment, backed by Norway's one billion kroner (
BETA's aircraft has already secured FAA certification for VFR, IFR, day and night flying, indicating technological readiness beyond the concept stage. The implementation of dedicated charging infrastructure at Norwegian airports by mid-2025 demonstrates tangible progress in creating the necessary ecosystem.
For Bristow, this initiative aligns with their stated transformation vision while taking a measured "crawl, walk, run" approach that acknowledges the early stage of electric aviation. The focus on cargo operations provides a practical entry point before potentially expanding to passenger services.
This agreement represents Bristow's strategic positioning in sustainable aviation, though with near-term financial impact. The demonstration project in Norway establishes a foothold in zero-emission technology without significant disclosed capital commitments.
The partnership leverages Norway's government-backed initiative and infrastructure investment, including airport charging stations being installed by June and August. This creates a capital-efficient way for Bristow to gain operational experience with electric aircraft while sharing development costs across multiple stakeholders.
The "regulatory sandbox" approach reduces regulatory risk and compliance costs during the testing phase. By participating early, Bristow gains invaluable operational data on factors critical to electrification economics: battery performance in Nordic conditions, maintenance requirements, and charging logistics.
The exclusive focus on cargo flights initially represents a pragmatic approach that limits passenger safety concerns while generating real-world operational data. This incremental strategy helps manage technology adoption risks while building expertise that could become a competitive advantage as regulations and markets evolve.
Investors should view this as part of Bristow's longer-term positioning rather than a near-term financial catalyst. The company's forward-looking statements caution appropriately reflects the exploratory nature of this initiative while maintaining strategic optionality in an evolving aviation landscape.
Demonstration Flights Start in Q3
The demonstration flights will be cargo flights without passengers, conducted using BETA's ALIA CX300 conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, which will be flown by Bristow Norway. The cargo flights will operate initially between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport, starting from Stavanger in late summer, with the entire route commencing later in the fall.
BETA recently completed the production build of the ALIA aircraft that will perform these demonstrations. The aircraft, BETA's second production-intent vehicle, was manufactured at the company's scaled production factory in
Government Ambitions through the Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan
"The government's goal in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 (NTP) is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. To achieve this,
"With an aviation industry committed to reducing emissions, a decentralized network of airports of various sizes, a significant regional air transport market, a proactive aviation authority, and a supplier industry specializing in battery-electric propulsion systems and hydrogen technology, we have a strong foundation for the early adoption of new technologies," says the Minister of Transport.
Broad Involvement
The goal of the test arena is to gain knowledge, learning, and to prepare the ecosystem and set the foundation for scaling. This means involving airlines, manufacturers, supplier industries, the energy sector, and other stakeholders.
"Avinor's role is to facilitate the infrastructure at airports and make the airspace available for actors who wish to test various zero- and low-emission aircraft in an operational environment. We seek more knowledge about what different technologies and aircraft require in terms of airport facilities and necessary energy supply needs. For example, we currently have a procurement process underway for fast chargers for electric aircraft in
"Aviation is a safe mode of transport and a well-regulated sector. As the aviation authority, we will ensure that new technologies can be tested in accordance with regulations. We will learn how regulations and frameworks need to evolve to enable new technologies and concepts. Through this, we will build the necessary expertise early on for the solutions of tomorrow.
We are now establishing a connection point between the aviation industry and the support system in line with the government's objectives," says Director General of Civil Aviation, Lars Kobberstad.
"We see great value in real-world demonstrations, both to understand performance and mission fit, but also to bring local communities in what this technology offers," said Patrick Buckles, BETA's Sales Lead. "This year, as we operationalize this technology, we're excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets all over the world, including
"This regulatory sandbox evaluation project exemplifies our philosophy of crawl, walk, run for early adoption of new aviation technologies and solidifies the commitment to our vision to be a leader in innovative and sustainable aviation," said Dave Stepanek, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer for Bristow Group. "Bristow Norway is proud and honored to partner with this distinguished group of leaders in advanced air mobility."
Several Milestones Throughout the Spring
Prior to activating the test arena, a supplier of chargers will be selected for both Stavanger and
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements represent Bristow Group Inc.'s ("Bristow") current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," or "continue," or other similar words, and include statements regarding the expected benefits of the fleet support and training agreements disclosed herein. These statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, reflect management's current views with respect to future events and therefore are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the capabilities, development, certification, marketing, and future operations of BETA electric aircraft and the anticipated benefits of the collaboration among Avinor, the Civil Aviation Authority Norway, BETA and Bristow. Bristow's actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Bristow cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. Bristow disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in Bristow's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based that occur after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on Bristow's forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Bristow's control. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these matters or how they may affect us. We have included important factors in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Bristow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Annual Report") which we believe over time, could cause Bristow's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by Bristow's forward-looking statements. You should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Annual Report and in Bristow's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), all of which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
About Avinor
Avinor is a wholly owned state limited company under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications and is responsible for 44 state-owned airports. Avinor has taken a leading role in reducing climate gas emissions from the aviation industry, including the development of electric aircraft, and supplying sustainable aviation fuel. Avinor provides safe and efficient travels for around 50 million passengers annually, half of which travel to and from Oslo Airport. Around 3,000 employees are responsible for planning, developing, and operating an efficient airport and air navigation service. Avinor is financed via airport charges and commercial sales. The air navigation services are organized as a subsidiary wholly owned by Avinor. Avinor is headquartered in
About CAA Norway
CAA Norway's main objective is to contribute to safe, societally beneficial, and sustainable aviation. As an aviation authority, CAA Norway, in collaboration with EASA, will contribute to regulatory facilitation and learning. The purpose is to enable safe testing and phasing in of new technologies in an ecosystem. It will also enable the regulators to identify the need for regulatory changes and to ensure that approval and certification processes are well prepared and can be carried out efficiently. CAA Norway's main office is in Bodø in the northern part of Norway.
About BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies is an electric aerospace company that is creating a new paradigm for transporting goods and people, making it greener, safer, and more efficient. To do this, we are building an electric transportation system that includes net-zero, all-electric aircraft and a cross-country, multimodal charging infrastructure to support various types of EVs.
Safety, simplicity, and pragmatism are at the heart of everything we do, from the design of our products to our approach to the market. The team brings experience from top global organizations, and takes a hands-on, multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving and innovation. To foster a deep understanding of aircraft, engineering, and a connection to the mission, each BETA team member has the opportunity to become flight-certified at no cost.
About Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue ("SAR"), medevac, fixed wing transportation, unmanned systems and ad-hoc helicopter services. Our business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Our energy customers charter our helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other services include fixed wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets.
Bristow currently has customers in
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FAQ
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