Orlando International Airport Hosts Historic Electric Aircraft Demonstration
A recent demonstration at Orlando International Airport (MCO) made history by showcasing the entire system required for airports to support commercial electric aviation operations.
The demonstration highlighted aircraft and charging infrastructure from BETA Technologies (BETA) and showed how the solutions could enable electric flight, first between regional airports.
BETA completed the demonstration in collaboration with:
BETA and Republic Airways previously announced a new partnership at the 2025 Paris Air Show, and the companies have since collaborated on projects along Florida’s I-4 corridor like:
- Advanced pilot training
- Operational integration
- Performance evaluations
The electric aircraft event at MCO demonstrated how the ALIA CTOL can work in routine commercial service.
Signature Aviation contributed by hosting the event at its Arnold Palmer Hangar, with other partners discussing the opportunities for electric aircraft to be used soon for missions in Florida like:
- Cargo
- Medical
- Passenger
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Lance Lyttle said, “Orlando International Airport is proud to host this milestone demonstration and to work alongside partners like BETA, Republic Airways, Brickyard Connection and Signature Aviation as electric aviation moves from promise to practical operations.”
“Today’s event will hopefully help to strengthen connectivity across the state,” added Lyttle.
BETA Head of Sales and Support Simon Newitt said, “Together, BETA, Republic Airways, and Signature Aviation are demonstrating how aircraft, infrastructure and operators unite in a real-world environment to deliver repeatable missions and a clear path to commercialization for all-electric flight.”
Newitt explained, “BETA has flown more than 135,000 nautical miles in ALIA aircraft across the globe. That operational experience is what positions us to scale deliberately and efficiently for states like Florida, where near-term, short-haul cargo, medical and passenger demand is strongest.”