BETA Technologies plans $41 million expansion at Plattsburgh Airport

PLATTSBURGH | BETA Technologies is expanding its production and testing facilities on Colorado Avenue at Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG). The $41 million expansion won a $20 million grant award via Clinton County from the Empire State Development's Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program. BETA produces ALIA electric aircraft, manned airplanes that fly both vertically, like a helicopter, and horizontally. In October, they delivered the first electric-powered aircraft to the U.S. Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base. BETA maintains its flight testing facility in Plattsburgh and will use the expansion for hardware and systems testing, painting aircraft and to build their distribution center. Expansion will include hangar upgrades as well as adding space. The company's research, design and manufacturing facility is located in South Burlington near Burlington International Airport (BTV). When an ALIA aircraft comes out of manufacturing, it is flown to Plattsburgh for final flight testing. The expansion will allow BETA to deliver cutting-edge electric airplanes from here. Their growth builds on an existing partnership with CV-TEC that began in the Fall of 2021, teaching students aerospace paint applications. As part of the agreement to expand at PBG, BETA has committed to creating 85 full-time jobs at their Plattsburgh facility. "If you're looking for the jobs of the future, come to New York! This expansion of BETA Technologies in Plattsburgh is exactly the kind of growth and innovation that's supercharging New York's economy for the 21st Century," Gov.Kathy Hochul said in a news announcement. BETA Founder and CEO Kyle Clark said New York State has a strong workforce and a track record of leadership when it comes to supporting and enabling next-generation transportation. "At BETA, we're focused on making aviation cleaner and more efficient for the future, and that requires a number of pieces, including technology, infrastructure, and a capable workforce. We've been developing, flying, and maintaining our electric aircraft at Plattsburgh International Airport since 2017, and in that time, we've been overwhelmed by the state and county's support of our vision. "From policymakers to schools and small businesses, we've found resonance here and look forward to doubling down to accelerate our growth and operations to create more quality jobs in the state," Clark said. In addition to electric aircraft, BETA is also designing and building electric charging infrastructure with multi-modal capacity for their own aircraft and other electric aircraft companies. Their BETA cube technology is also compatible with ground electric vehicles (EVs). The company has placed charging infrastructure in 16 locations with another 55 more sites in permitting and development, focused on airport sites. The effort supports the company's goal to improve industry options for electric travel. GREAT INVESTMENT BY NYS Local elected and business leaders heralded BETA's planned growth in Plattsburgh. Assemblymember Billy Jones called this a great investment by New York State. "Congratulations to BETA Technologies!" he said in a statement. "BETA is at the cutting edge of electric aerospace engineering, and it is remarkable that this technology is manufactured right here in the North Country. After attending meetings with the Beta Technologies team and State and County officials, I am confident that this funding will not only continue to expand the manufacturing transportation sector but will also create jobs and more opportunities for young students in the region through their partnership with CV-TEC to be at the forefront of these new technologies. BETA Technologies is a major player in the world of aerospace technology, and I want to thank Clinton County for securing this funding." Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry said the future of aviation is right here in Clinton County. "We are proud to have been partners with BETA Technologies since their start on the Plattsburgh International Airport just four years ago. Clinton County has been steadfast in supporting economic growth and workforce development, particularly with regard to the transportation manufacturing cluster. On behalf of the Clinton County Legislature, I extend my sincere gratitude to Gov. Hochul for her commitment to build this state-of-the-art green aeronautical campus." ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY The green economy and electric technology are on a proven trajectory toward a more sustainable and prosperous future, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael S. Cashman said in a news release. "BETA Technologies leads on this transformative path. Time and time again BETA has made history in aviation. This investment leading to the expanding footprint in the Town of Plattsburgh with a flight test and delivery center for electric aircraft at Plattsburgh International Airport is a significant win for the North Country. The dynamic partnership of New York State, BETA, and our local community proves the sky is no longer the limit. To new heights ahead!" State Sen. Dan Stec applauded BETA's innovation and the state's investment. "BETA is at the cutting edge of electric aviation and technology, and the Plattsburgh facility has proven to be crucial in the company's research and development," he said. "Our region has a great deal of economic potential, and partnerships with companies like BETA are crucial in turning that potential into careers and long-term growth." PARTNERSHIP At Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES), Director of Career and Technical Education Michele Friedman said they are delighted to partner with BETA on ground-breaking training programs that unlock unique opportunities for students. "Our North Country CV-TEC students are extraordinarily talented," Friedman said. "And it gives us great pride to showcase and connect their talents with industry innovators such as BETA Technologies." Airport Director Chris Kreig told The Sun that they are excited to continue their partnership with BETA Technologies. "We're very happy to be part of their story. We look forward to their continued growth at Plattsburgh International Airport, and we thank the State of New York, Gov. Hochul and county leaders for their support of the airport and for BETA. It was a truly cooperative effort, and we appreciate the North Country Chamber of Commerce for all of their work on this project." STRATEGIC INVESTMENT "This facility and the state investment required to make it a reality have been a priority in all of our interactions with the governor and her team for two years now," Chamber President Garry Douglas said in a statement. "It means quality jobs and a substantial BETA footprint here. "But it is even more important than that," Douglas said. "It represents a further expansion of our growing global role in transportation equipment and aerospace in particular and in electric transportation in particular. The cluster we have built over the last two decades is working in terms of making a strong case for new investments and activities." Douglas said the Chamber brought eight of Gov. Hochul's key economic development, transportation and energy staff to the site more than a year ago, as well as leaders from Empire State Development, NYSERDA and the Department of Environmental Conservation. Chamber officials met directly with Gov. Hochul earlier this year. "The governor truly understands Plattsburgh's place in the future of electric transport production in the state and nation and we can't thank her enough for this great strategic investment," Douglas said. "We also thank BETA for its commitment and for its confidence in our area's support systems and we congratulate the Clinton County Legislature and Plattsburgh International Airport for this major economic development win. Onward and upward!" BETA FLIGHT TEST CENTER For the past five years, BETA's flight test center at Plattsburgh International Airport has served as the point of origin for most of its innovative technology. Many of the company's largest flight milestones have been completed in New York State. Its longest recorded flight of an electric aircraft spanned 336 nautical miles, from Jamestown to Plattsburgh. BETA's all-electric aircraft generates zero operational emissions, can be recharged in under an hour with BETA chargers. The aircraft and have been designed to optimize payload capacity and range. The aircraft company has secured firm orders from top global operators including UPS, United Therapeutics, Bristow, LCI, Blade, and Helijet, and has multiphase contracts with the U.S. Air Force and Army.

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BETA Technologies plans $41 million expansion at Plattsburgh Airport

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