Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Helicopter operator Bristow Norway and Beta Technologies have started operational tests in Norway with the U.S. manufacturer’s Alia CX300 electric aircraft. Trials will last several months and got underway on August 8 using a “test arena” approved by the country’s civil aviation authority (CAA) and air traffic management agency Avinor.
The conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model arrived in Stavanger, Norway, last week at the end of a 3,800-nm journey from Beta’s headquarters in Vermont. En route, the aircraft made stops in Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark, including a high-profile flying display appearance at the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-16/republic-set-evaluate-betas-alia-electric-aircraft">Paris Air Show</a> in June.
For the test flights, Bristow pilots are evaluating possible commercial routes that could include a connection between Stavanger and Bergen. Between the energy industry hubs,&nbsp;the air distance is just over 86 nm, but the drive time is almost five hours.
Beta pilots are providing training for their counterparts via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-04-15/bristow-strengthens-support-urban-air-mobility">Bristow</a>, a launch customer for the five-passenger CX300. It has also shown interest in Beta’s A250 eVTOL aircraft, which is expected to enter service about a year after the eCTOL model.
“Bristow is proud to be part of this cutting-edge program and our participation in this test arena directly aligns with our philosophical ‘crawl, walk, run’ approach to developing advanced air mobility for commercial operations,” said Dave Stepanek, Bristow’s executive vice president and chief transformation officer. “The information we learn through the test arena program will provide valuable operational insights that could help operators, manufacturers, and regulators better understand how best to move forward towards commercial operations.”
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<img alt="Beta CX300 aircraft flying in Norway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4d09d9f-90d3-4a45-90bb-de13f6bb6060" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/TESTARENA%20KICK%20OFF5.jpg" width="3840" height="2160" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Pilots from Bristow and Beta are conducting operational trials in Norway with the CX300 electric aircraft.</figcaption>
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Avinor and the Norwegian CAA have approved the so-called sandbox evaluation project for a six-month period. Beta is aiming to achieve type certification for the CX300 in 2026.
“As a nation wholly dependent on aviation, today as well as in the future, transitioning to a more sustainable aviation industry is a major priority for my government,” said Norway’s transport minister, Jon-Ivar Nygård. “This first flight represents a significant step on a long and complex journey. As the test arena demonstrates, cooperation between authorities, airports, manufacturers, operators—and not least political support—is essential. The systemic approach the test arena facilitates is unique, and I am proud that Norway is at the forefront.”

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