Sustainability and Environment
Project SEAN Trials Electric Flights For Scotland
Government-funded consortium to aims to connect remote communities
Alia CX300 on tarmac with Bristow logo on rear fuselage
Project SEAN has selected Beta Technologies’ Alia CTOL-configured CX300 aircraft for upcoming 2027 demonstration flights. © Bristow Group

The new Scottish Electric Aviation Network (SEAN) consortium is aiming to “demonstrate the practical role electric aircraft could play within the country’s existing regional aviation network.” Following recent confirmation of £1.5 million ($2 million) in UK government funding, test flights are set to start next year, including a three-month assessment of Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 aircraft.

On July 23, consortium leader Bristow Helicopters explained that Project SEAN “aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to support future commercial deployment of electric aircraft while strengthening regional connectivity and contributing to broader decarbonization goals.” In addition to U.S.-baed Beta, other project partners include advanced air mobility consultants EA Maven, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, and vertiport developer Skyports Infrastructure.