Modern eVTOLs Are Coming to Ancient Greece

BETA Technologies, a Burlington, Vermont, US-based manufacturer of electric aircraft, has signed an agreement to deliver up to 125 of its ALIA-250 eVTOLs to aviation lessor, LCI Aviation.

LCI Aviation is a subsidiary of the Libra Group and some of the aircraft will be deployed at the group’s Aria Hotels in Greece.

There, guests and tourists will be able to get an emissions-free, sky-high view of the Greek landscape.

Such a feat was once only imaginable to Hermes, the Greek messenger god. Hermes was believed to have wings attached to his feet. The wings helped him fly and deliver messages between the Greek deities in the heavens.

What Is the ALIA-250?

The ALIA-250 eVTOL will have a maximum range of 250 nautical miles (about 290 miles or 460 kilometers). Configured for tourists, the ALIA-250 can transport five passengers and a pilot. With a payload of 635 kilograms (about 1,400 lbs), the ALIA-250 can also transport cargo or medical supplies.

BETA Technologies expects the ALIA-250 to recharge its batteries in less than an hour. The company is in the process of developing the charging infrastructure needed for that.

Jaspal Jandu, LCI Aviations’s CEO, said, “We are embracing this new era of sustainable flight and BETA Technologies’ innovative approach makes them a natural and credible partner for LCI.”

Kyle Clark, BETA’s founder and CEO, added, “As a leading aircraft lessor with an established global track record, LCI has a strong pulse on what operators are looking for.”