We have hybrid cars, now hybrid planes are coming
18 September 2025 Share Save Adrienne Murray & James Brooks Technology Reporters Share Save
Beta Technologies Alia on the way to Stavanger in Norway
An aviation rarity touched down in the Norway's second city of Bergen earlier this month. Alia had flown 100 miles (160km) in 55 minutes on battery power alone. Built by US aerospace company Beta Technologies, the electric plane is designed for cargo operations - carrying up to 560kg (half a tonne) loads. The flight had simulated a planned cargo route between the coastal cities of Stavanger and Bergen, and for the next few months test-flights will be carried out, as part of the country's move towards establishing low-emission aviation. At the helm was pilot Jeremy Degagne, "If you do the drive, it's four and a half hours.
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