Test Arena Operations Kick Off in Norway with First Flight of All-Electric ALIA Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Bristow Norway AS, a subsidiary of Bristow Group (NYSE:VTOL), has conducted the first flight of BETA Technologies' all-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft at Stavanger Airport, launching Norway's Test Arena for Zero & Low Emission Aviation. The demonstration flights, in collaboration with Avinor and CAA Norway, mark a significant step toward integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the Nordic region.

The test program will span several months, initially operating routes between Stavanger and Bergen airports, with potential expansion across Norway. The ALIA CX300 aircraft completed a remarkable 6,976 km journey across seven EU countries before arriving in Norway. This initiative represents Norway's commitment to sustainable aviation, with BETA-trained Bristow crews piloting and maintaining the aircraft throughout the six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project.

[ "First successful flight of all-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft in Norway's Test Arena", "Strategic partnership between Bristow, BETA Technologies, Avinor, and CAA Norway for sustainable aviation", "Six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project to advance Advanced Air Mobility", "Strong government support for zero-emission aviation initiatives in Norway" ]

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Long and complex implementation journey ahead for commercial operations
• Regulatory uncertainties surrounding new aviation technology integration
• Limited initial route coverage between only Stavanger and Bergen airports

Insights

Aerospace and Transportation Analyst

Bristow's BETA electric aircraft Test Arena launch in Norway represents significant progress in commercial zero-emission aviation deployment.

The launch of Norway's Test Arena for Zero & Low Emission Aviation with Bristow's flight of BETA's all-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft marks a critical operational milestone in the advancement of commercial electric aviation. This isn't merely a demonstration but the beginning of a months-long evaluation of real-world routes between major Norwegian airports, potentially expanding throughout the region.

What makes this particularly significant is the operational framework being established. For the first time, we're seeing a BETA-trained customer pilot operating the aircraft, representing a crucial step in the technology transfer necessary for commercial deployment. The six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation will provide invaluable data on operational integration in challenging Nordic conditions.

Norway represents an ideal testing ground with its 89% electric vehicle adoption in 2024 and geography that necessitates regional air travel. The country's distributed population across challenging terrain creates a perfect use case for electric aircraft that can serve routes between regional airports more sustainably than conventional aircraft.

For Bristow, this aligns with their stated "crawl, walk, run" approach to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and positions them at the forefront of an emerging market segment. The operational insights gained could provide Bristow with competitive advantages as electric aviation scales commercially.

The comprehensive ecosystem approach involving airport operators (Avinor), regulators (CAA Norway), technology providers (BETA), and operators (Bristow) demonstrates the kind of multi-stakeholder collaboration necessary to overcome the regulatory, operational, and infrastructure challenges that have historically slowed AAM deployment.

Energy Transition Specialist

The ALIA CX300 test flights represent a tangible step in decarbonizing one of the hardest-to-abate transportation sectors. While electric cars have seen significant adoption, commercial aviation has lagged due to the challenging power-to-weight requirements for aircraft. BETA's ALIA aircraft, optimized for payload and range, addresses these fundamental engineering challenges.

What's particularly notable about this project is its operational focus. Rather than just demonstrating the technology works, this Test Arena is evaluating real commercial routes and integration requirements. The transition from technology demonstration to operational testing represents crossing the "valley of death" that many clean technology innovations fail to navigate.

Norway's approach creates a regulatory sandbox that allows for iterative learning while maintaining safety standards. This model could accelerate electric aviation adoption beyond what would be possible with traditional certification pathways alone.

The strong government backing, evidenced by statements from both the Minister of Transport and Minister of Climate and Environment, indicates national strategic commitment beyond just environmental goals. For a country dependent on aviation for domestic connectivity, electrification represents both climate action and transportation resilience.

The program's structure—starting with specific routes between Stavanger and Bergen before potential expansion—follows best practices for technology deployment by establishing controlled test conditions before scaling. This methodical approach increases the likelihood of successful commercial implementation while generating valuable operational data that can inform regulatory frameworks beyond Norway.

• Demonstration flights conducted by Bristow Norway AS and BETA Technologies through the Test Arena established by Avinor and CAA Norway are designed to evaluate use cases and routes for zero- and low-emission aviation in the Nordic region
  
  
• Bristow flies BETA's ALIA CX300 conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft in first of a months-long series of market survey operations
  
  
• Delivery of BETA's aircraft to the Test Arena concludes a 6976 km journey across seven countries in the EU; marks company's first operations with a BETA-trained customer pilot

STAVANGER, Norway, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Norway AS, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc., today flew BETA Technologies' all-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft at Stavanger Airport, marking the first operations of Norway's Test Arena for Zero & Low Emission Aviation. The flights, which are being conducted in cooperation with Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway), mark a step toward integrating and scaling Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Norway and the surrounding regions.

The Test Arena will consist of a series of evaluation flights over the next several months, to test likely customer routes at Avinor-owned airports throughout Norway. Early routes will see ALIA fly between Stavanger and Bergen airports, with potential for the program to expand to additional routes across Norway later this year. The aircraft will be flown by BETA-trained Bristow pilots.

Today's flight was conducted by Bristow pilot, Jeremy Degagne, and Beta pilot, Nate Dubie. In addition to kicking off Norway's first Test Arena, this flight represents another key step on the road to commercializing AAM. A BETA-trained Bristow crew will pilot and maintain BETA's aircraft throughout the six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project helping pave the way for future delivery and integration of this technology into the region.

"As a nation wholly dependent on aviation — today as well as in the future — transitioning to a more sustainable aviation industry is a major priority for my government," said Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård.

"This first flight represents a significant step on a long and complex journey. As the Test Arena demonstrates, cooperation between authorities, airports, manufacturers, operators — and not least, political support — is essential. The systemic approach the Test Arena facilitates is unique, and I am proud that Norway is at the forefront."

"Today's test flight is an important step in turning climate policy into practical solutions. If we are to succeed with the green transition, we must test, learn and build – not just plan. With this test arena, Norway is taking a leading role in the development of zero-emission aviation, while also creating new opportunities for green jobs and innovation," said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

"Bristow is proud to be a part of this cutting-edge program and our participation in this test arena directly aligns with our philosophical 'crawl, walk, run' approach to developing Advanced Air Mobility for commercial operations," said Dave Stepanek, Bristow's Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer. "The information we learn through the test arena program will provide valuable operational insights that could help operators, manufacturers, and regulators better understand how best to move forward towards commercial operations."

"To be delivering ALIA to our partners at Bristow and kicking off operational testing here in Norway is a big moment for BETA," said Shawn Hall, BETA's Chief Revenue Officer. "Bristow has been with us from the start and shares our drive for progress, and Norway, with its spirit of innovation and modernization, is a perfect place to move this technology forward. Handing off the aircraft to a customer is, in part, a huge milestone, but it's also an important launchpad for all that comes next for the industry."

Norway has already established itself as a leader in innovative clean mobility, with electric cars comprising 89 percent of new car registrations in 2024. This Test Arena is an evaluation of the benefits of AAM for the region and its residents — as well as an investigation into the requirements to build out an ecosystem for integrated operations.

With its unique design that optimizes for payload, range, and IFR capabilities, ALIA is well-suited for Norway's distributed geography and cold-weather conditions.

"This essential and meaningful step will support the industry, accelerate innovation in new mobility, and strengthen our expertise. We are excited to continue this critical work", said Lars Kobberstad, Director General of CAA Norway. "Aviation is a safe mode of transport and a well-regulated sector. As the aviation authority, we will ensure that we facilitate testing new technologies and contribute to safe testing and future integrations. We will learn how rules and regulations must evolve to enable new technologies and concepts. Through this, we aim to build the necessary expertise early on for tomorrow's solutions."

"The first flight of the Test Arena is a major milestone for Norwegian aviation and for Avinor, and a key step towards future commercial operations of zero- and low-emission flights in Norway," said Abraham Foss, Avinor's Chief Executive Officer. "As a small, open economy with a dispersed population, Norway is entirely dependent on aviation and its broad network of airports. We are strongly committed to driving the long-term transition to a more sustainable aviation sector, while maintaining strong domestic and international connectivity."

A team of BETA pilots and maintainers have delivered this aircraft, N214BT, to the Test Arena following a weeks-long journey across the EU. The flights, which originated in Shannon, Ireland, have taken BETA's aircraft over the Irish Sea, through the UK, over the English Channel, and to the Paris Air Show — where ALIA flew every day — followed by Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, and, ultimately, Norway.

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 aircraft operations, fleet support and training arrangements 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 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 Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("U.S.").

About BETA Technologies

BETA Technologies is a Vermont-based aerospace company manufacturing the future of aviation. The company is producing next-generation aircraft, including conventional fixed wing electric airplanes ("ALIA CTOL") and electric vertical takeoff and landing ("ALIA VTOL"), as well as the technologies that enable them, such as electric propulsion systems, flight controls, and battery packs. In addition, BETA is deploying an infrastructure network across the U.S. to ensure this new class of aircraft has access to reliable charging. To date, the company has installed nearly 50 chargers across the east, west, and gulf coasts. With its low-cost, high reliability, and regional range capabilities, BETA's products are designed to move goods and people to increase connectivity for rural areas and improve access to healthcare and e-commerce across the U.S. — and beyond.    

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 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 Oslo.

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SOURCE Bristow Group

FAQ

What is the significance of Bristow's (NYSE:VTOL) first electric ALIA flight in Norway?

The flight marks the launch of Norway's Test Arena for Zero & Low Emission Aviation, representing a significant step toward integrating sustainable Advanced Air Mobility in the Nordic region. It's part of a six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project.

What routes will BETA's ALIA CX300 electric aircraft operate in Norway?

Initially, the aircraft will operate between Stavanger and Bergen airports, with potential expansion to additional routes across Norway later in 2025.

How far did the BETA ALIA CX300 aircraft travel to reach Norway?

The aircraft traveled 6,976 km across seven EU countries, starting from Shannon, Ireland, through the UK, France (Paris Air Show), Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, and finally Norway.

Who will operate the BETA ALIA CX300 aircraft in Norway's Test Arena?

The aircraft will be operated by BETA-trained Bristow pilots and maintenance crews throughout the six-month regulatory sandbox evaluation project.

What is Norway's current position in electric transportation?

Norway is a leader in clean mobility, with electric cars comprising 89% of new car registrations in 2024, and is now expanding into electric aviation through the Test Arena initiative.