19 March 2026 – Scottish regional airliner Loganair is conducting a two-week trial with a prototype of Beta Technologies ‘Alia‘ CTOL electric aircraft:
Scottish regional airline Loganair is evaluating Beta Technologies ‘Alia’ electric aircraft in a two-week trial that started on March 19 with a 60 nautical miles’ flight from Glasgow to Dundee. Initially, the operator is interested in how the conventional takeoff and landing model (CTOL) could be used for services such as mail and urgent cargo deliveries across its network.
Announcing the partnership, Loganair did not specify whether it intends to buy any of the American-made aircraft, which could have a range of up to around 250 nautical miles. Beta is also developing an eVTOL version of the design but is aiming to certify the CTOL model first in early or mid-2027. Several other airlines including Air New Zealand and Surf Air plan to operate Beta aircraft.
Loganair has previously shown interest in several electric and hybrid-electric aircraft as part of efforts to decarbonise its flights. Earlier partnerships have included ZeroAvia – which aims to convert regional airliners to run on hydrogen – Heart Aerospace, and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions. However, none of these collaborations appear to have resulted in firm fleet orders.
“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable and operationally viable”, said Loganair Chief Executive Officer Luke Farajallah. “Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short-haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions. For Loganair, this reflects our practical approach to testing sustainability credible solutions that can reduce emissions while protecting the essential regional connectivity our communities rely on”.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney praised Loganair for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions from aviation “while supporting regional connectivity for communities in the Highlands and Islands”.
Loganair serves around 43 destinations across the UK and also in Norway and Ireland. Short-haul routes in Scotland include connections with Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Tiree and Islay.
(This article was written by Charles Alcock, Editor of Aviation International News)