Republic Airways to Evaluate All-Electric Aircraft

Agreement announced at Paris Air Show includes delivery of test aircraft for route validation.

BETA’s all-electric aircraft (Photo: BETA Technologies)

[ Planes ]June 16, 2025 9:54 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Republic Airways Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding with BETA Technologies to explore the use of electric aircraft in regional operations, the companies announced Monday at the 2025 Paris Air Show.

Under the agreement, BETA will provide a pre-certified version of its ALIA conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) electric aircraft to Republic’s wholly owned subsidiary, Brickyard Connection, LLC. The aircraft will be delivered in late 2025 for performance assessments, route validation, and evaluation of use cases for both passenger and cargo missions, the two companies stated.

“We’ve been working with BETA for the past 18 months and continue to be impressed — not just by the performance and design of their CTOL aircraft, but by the company’s leadership, culture, and values,” said Matt Koscal, Republic’s president and chief commercial officer.

Republic’s CEO, Bryan Bedford, was tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. During his Senate confirmation hearing last week, he called electric aircraft “exciting,” adding that he’s been “on the pointy end of the stick.”

He said electric aircraft could also help reconnect smaller communities with the broader aviation system.

BETA Founder and CEO Kyle Clark said the initiative underscores Republic’s forward-looking approach: “The six-seat ALIA is just an entry point for a great transformation of aircraft to an electric future.”

As part of the agreement, the two companies will also explore the deployment of BETA’s standardized charging infrastructure at select Brickyard Connection locations to support future electric aviation operations.

The announcement follows several recent milestones for BETA Technologies, including ALIA’s daily demonstration flights at this year’s Paris Air Show — the first time an electric aircraft has flown at the event — and a recent passenger flight into a New York City airport with Koscal onboard.

BETA Technologies is based in Vermont and manufactures electric aircraft along with associated technologies, including propulsion systems and charging infrastructure. Republic operates a fleet of more than 240 Embraer 170/175 aircraft, providing scheduled regional service on behalf of American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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