Ryan Air Invests in Electric Aviation with Order for BETA Technologies’s ALIA CTOL Aircraft and Cube Charging Network

Anchorage, Alaska — Ryan Air, Inc., a key cargo carrier serving remote areas of Alaska, has placed a deposit-backed order for BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft. As part of this initiative, the airline also plans to deploy up to 10 BETA Charge Cubes (modular charging stations) across its network.

Serving more than 73 rural Alaskan communities where road access is limited or nonexistent, Ryan Air provides a critical lifeline for thousands of residents. These communities often rely exclusively on air transportation for essential supplies, including groceries, medical equipment, and prescription medications. By integrating electric aircraft and a dedicated charging infrastructure, Ryan Air aims to improve both the sustainability and reliability of its service network.

Ryan Air has been connecting these communities since 1953, and they haven’t stopped. Through its purchase of BETA’s electric ALIA aircraft and Charge Cubes, Ryan Air is once again proving its commitment to providing the best services possible as well being a good stakeholder in protecting the Alaskan environment.

For over a century, the Ryan family has been involved in delivering the mail, and since 1953, we have operated aircraft to connect Alaska’s most remote communities. From the dog team era with Wilfred Ryan, Sr., to the jet age— from visual navigation to next-gen ADS-B and GPS, we’ve embraced each wave of progress to better serve our state.

In many of the communities we serve, diesel generators remain the only power source. By partnering with BETA TECHNOLOGIES, we, with local partners, can help bring greater energy reliability and sustainability to even the most remote parts of our state.

Ryan Air, Inc. (via LinkedIn post)

“I’m excited about this partnership on so many levels, not to mention the fantastic use of the name Ryan!

Ryan Air, Inc., a third-generation family-owned business, has been instrumental in providing air service to over 72 villages across Alaska for more than seven decades. With a vision for the future, Lee Ryan and his team are spearheading the electric aviation revolution in Alaska and beyond. Welcome to the BETA TECHNOLOGIES family!”

Ryan Barta – Electrifying Flight at BETA Technologies (via LinkedIn post)

This forward-thinking strategy reflects a growing movement within the aviation industry to embrace sustainable technologies—particularly in areas where environmental impact and logistical challenges intersect. By committing to electric aviation, Ryan Air is not only modernizing its fleet but also reinforcing its mission to serve Alaska’s underserved regions more effectively.

With this investment, Ryan Air stands at the forefront of Alaskan regional air cargo innovation, demonstrating that electric aircraft can play a transformative role in supporting both people and the plane

Ryan Air

• Headquartered in Anchorage, AK
• Key Bush freight carrier
• Established in 1953 as Unalakleet Air Taxi 
• Founded by Wilfred Ryan Sr. 
• Acquired by Salchuck in 2022
• Services:
  • Air cargo shipping
  • Chartered Passenger flights
• Hubs:
  • Aniak Airport
    Bethel Airport
    Emmonak Airport
    Kotzebue Airport
    Nome Airport
    St. Mary’s Airport
    Unalakleet Airport

BETA Technologies

• Based in South Burlington, Vermont, with BETA’s structures engineering division located in Montreal, Quebec
• manufacturer of the ALIA eVTOL and eCTOL aircraft
• ALIA:
  • eVTOL and CTOL versions
  • 5 passengers
  • less than 1 hour charging

Aircraft

BETA’s ALIA CTOL is a fixed-wing, battery-powered aircraft designed for regional missions. It offers high reliability with minimal maintenance and operating costs—ideal for the demanding environments and long distances of Alaska’s interior and coastal regions.

ALIA CTOL (all electric)

• Range: 336 nm (max demonstrated range)
• Payload: 1,125 lbs
• Cabin Volume: 200 ft³
• Max Airspeed: 153 kts
• Wingspan: 50 ft
• Passenger Capacity: 5 passengers
• Charge Time: < 1 hour
• Propulsion: One H500A Electric Motor

Electric Charging

Charge Cube

The Charge Cube units will provide the flexibility to support these aircraft in areas where conventional infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

Charge Cube (Permanent Charge Solution)

• AC Voltage Connection: 480 Vac, 3 Phase, 60 Hz
• AC Grid Current: 420 Amps
• Continuous Power: 320 kW
• Battery Charge Range: Up to 1,000 Vdc
• Continuous: 350 Amps
• Authorization: Phone App + Plug and Charge
• Charging Protocol: CCS

Thermal Management Cube

TMS Cube Specifications

• Protocol: BETA TMS
• Standard Dimensions: 74 in x 74 in x 59 in
• Liquid Temperature: 15 to 21 ° C
• Weight: <4,500 lbs
• Flow: 60 lpm
• Communication: Via Charge
• Cube Pressure: 20 psi normal 60 psi maximum Cube <> Aircraft Fluid 50/50 Ethylene Glycol Deionized Water
• Hose Length: 50 ft
• Chiller <> Cube Fluid: 30/70 Propylene Glycol & Water

Charging Network

BETA Technologies has developed a network of fast chargers for eVTOL aircraft, that can also be used for ground vehicles. This key infrastructure add charging capabilities to existing airports will increase the capability for eVTOLs, electric CTOLs, and Ultra-Short eSTOLs.

BETA Technologies charging stations for eVTOLs and electric ground vehicles:

Fuel Savings

BETA Technologies offers tremendous fuel savings with its electric aircraft. The CTOL version of its ALIA electric aircraft burns only $18 USD worth of fuel per hour vs the $347 USD of fuel per hour that a Cessna 208 would consume. This in turn provides an incredible 75% reduction in emissions!

Such was the case on June 3rd 2025, when an Alia C300 landed in New York JKF International Airport from East Hampton. BETA’s electric Alia CTOL aircraft consumed only $7 worth of electrical power versus the several the hundreds of dollars of fuel required by a helicopter.

BETA’s Business Plan

Focusing on the core targets of cargo, logistics and passenger transportation, BETA Technologies has amassed a network of clients. Once certification for the eVTOL aircraft has been implemented, the eVTOL versions of BETA’s ALIA aircraft will be able to utilize the same network of chargers for these aircraft as well. In turn, having the familiarity and partnerships solidified through BETA’s cTOL offerings of the ALIA electric aircraft, the expansion to an eVTOL version ALIA electric aircraft should be rather smooth.

Ryan Air’s Cargo transport

As noted by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities:

• 82% of Alaskan communities and FAA-recognized have no road access
• 251 communities are only accessible by air transportation
• 142 communities with air travel as their only means of transportation, are assisted by the State of Alaska with transportation infrastructure

Many Alaskan communities rely on rural airports to provide delivery of essential supplies such as mail, medical and dental services. The Alaskan Department of Transportation’s goal is “to sustain and improve the quality of life throughout Alaska” through these state-owned airports. With infrastructure being half the battle, Ryan Air provides the services through such airports, that thousands of Alaskans depend on.

Partnerhip with UPS

• Ryan Air delivers UPS parcels from its seven stations and to the villages extending from these hubs.

Strengthening Ryan Air’s Fleet

As an Alaskan company with the heritage of serving 73 communities in the Alaskan Bush during supply scarcity, harsh winters, as well as times of community celebration, Ryan Air will be there for Alaskans. Pretty soon Alaskans will see the familiar red and white color scheme of a Ryan Air aircraft on a BETA Technologies ALIA CTOL, bringing their UPS packages, US Mail, hauling recycling materials, or even taking them back and forth out of the 7 regional hubs that Ryan Air operates from. All the meanwhile flying ultra quiet and powered by clean electric energy, ensuring that Alaska stays as wild and pure as possible for generations to come.

Stay tuned to eVTOL buzz where we provide deep dives and more in-depth insights into the eVTOL industry, BETA Technologies and Ryan Air✈️

More Info:

Beta Technologies official website: click here

Ryan Air official website: click here

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities DEPARTMENT FAST FACTS Prepared for Legislative Session 2023: click here

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