BERGEN, NORWAY — On March 4, 2025, a landmark agreement was inked at Bergen Airport, Flesland, marking Norway’s emergence as a global hub for testing zero- and low-emission aviation technologies. Bristow Norway AS, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc., and U.S.-based BETA Technologies signed the first formal pact under a collaboration initiated in April 2024 by Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority, launching demonstration cargo flights with BETA’s ALIA CX300 electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft.
The flights, kicking off from Stavanger Airport in late summer and expanding to the full Stavanger-Bergen route by fall, will test the ALIA CX300—BETA’s second production-intent vehicle, already FAA-certified for day and night operations. This initiative aligns with Norway’s National Aviation Strategy and National Transport Plan 2025–2036, which allocates 1 billion kroner to accelerate aviation’s green transition, as championed by Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård: “The government’s goal is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation.”
“We’re excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets all over the world, including Norway.” — Patrick Buckles, Sales Lead, BETA Technologies
Norway’s unique assets—decentralized airports, a robust regional air market, and expertise in battery-electric and hydrogen systems—position it ideally for this role. Avinor’s Karianne Helland Strand noted, “We seek more knowledge about what different technologies and aircraft require,” with fast chargers already in procurement for Bergen and Stavanger. CAA Norway’s Lars Kobberstad added, “We will learn how regulations need to evolve,” ensuring a safe testing ecosystem.
BETA’s Patrick Buckles highlighted the real-world insights: “We’re excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets worldwide.” Bristow’s Dave Stepanek echoed this, calling it a step toward “innovative and sustainable aviation.” With chargers due by June and August, this test arena aims to scale zero-emission solutions globally.
