Helijet has announced plans to become Canada’s first passenger and cargo services provider using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft after placing a firm order for BETA Technologies’ ALIA aircraft.

The eVTOL will be integrated into Helijet’s existing helicopter network in southwestern British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The aircraft will also be used for emergency response, air ambulance and organ transfer services in the Lower Mainland, as well as support rural and remote communities that do not have access to affordable and convenient air services.

The five-passenger plus pilot ALIA aircraft is aiming for commercial regulatory certification in 2026 and will be available for both private and commercial services.

Built by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, the five-passenger + pilot configured ALIA eVTOL aircraft is currently in advanced flight standards development towards commercial regulatory certification in 2026 and will be available for private and commercial service shortly thereafter.

“We are proud to partner with BETA Technologies, who are leaders in the advanced air mobility space,” said Helijet president and CEO Danny Sitnam. “We are committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission, vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure in the communities we serve and look forward to transforming our current heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility vertiport standards.”

Image: Beta Technologies – Helijet Alia 250 @ Vancouver Harbour (artist rendering)

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