VANCOUVER, B.C. (Nov. 4, 2025) – Canada’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector took a significant step forward today as Helijet International Inc. and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) welcomed the arrival of BETA Technologies’ (BETA) ALIA CTOL (Conventional Take-off and Landing) model CX300 aircraft to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is the first time BETA has flown its electric passenger- and cargo-carrying aircraft into Western Canada.
Today’s flight marks the next in a series of steps Helijet is taking to become the first Canadian air carrier to provide passenger and cargo air services using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2023, Helijet announced a firm order for BETA’s ALIA VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), model A250 aircraft with the support of British Columbia Premier David Eby.
Upon delivery, Helijet would integrate the ALIA VTOL aircraft into its existing network of helicopter services, providing quieter, lower-cost, sustainable air transportation for travelers in southwestern B.C. and the Pacific Northwest.
ALIA’s VTOL capability has the potential to enhance Helijet’s ongoing provision of healthcare and cargo air services in the Lower Mainland. This effort, which is being conducted alongside Helijet’s alliance partner, Helicopters Without Borders, aims to support rural and remote communities that do not have access to affordable and convenient air services.
“Helijet is delighted to welcome the first arrival of the CX300 to our terminal here at YVR,” said Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam. “Today’s smooth and successful demonstration flight is tangible proof that the future of passenger and cargo flights is aboard quiet and emissions-free aircraft like the CX300 and its counterpart the ALIA eVTOL model from BETA Technologies. When it comes to customer service and environmental sustainability, Helijet is proud to be an early adopter of innovative technology that prioritizes the needs of people and the planet.”
“In the past two years, we have steadily increased our presence in Canada, from opening offices in Montréal, landing the first electric aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, joining the CAAM board, and forging an ongoing partnership with Helijet to help create cargo and passenger solutions for Western Canada,” said Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director at BETA. “We’re excited for the industry’s growth as we demonstrate that quiet, lower-cost electric aviation is quickly becoming a reality across the continent.”
“Today’s arrival of the BETA ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft at YVR marks another aviation milestone for advanced air mobility in B.C. and Canada,” added CAAM Executive Director JR Hammond. “The progress being achieved by Helijet, BETA and CAAM members across the country demonstrates that advanced air mobility is quickly becoming operational reality for carriers, airports and fixed-base operators worldwide.”
About Helijet:
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 3.0 million guests in the past 39 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports.
Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards.” For more information, visit https://helijet.com/scheduled-airline/
About BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies is an aerospace company manufacturing the future of aviation. The company is producing next-generation aircraft, including conventional fixed wing electric airplanes (“ALIA eCTOL”) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (“ALIA eVTOL”), as well as the technologies that enable them, such as electric propulsion systems, flight controls, and battery packs. In addition, BETA is deploying an infrastructure network across the U.S. to ensure this new class of aircraft has access to reliable charging. To date, the company has installed nearly 50 chargers across the east, west, and gulf coasts. With its low-cost, high reliability, and regional range capabilities, BETA’s products are designed to move goods and people to increase connectivity for rural areas and improve access to healthcare and e-commerce across the U.S. — and beyond. For more information, please visit https://beta.team/ or find us on LinkedIn.
About Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM)
Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) is the national industry association for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Canada. As a federal not-for-profit, CAAM leads the responsible, sustainable, and innovative integration of AAM across the country. CAAM has partnered with over 200+ organizations including industry, academia, private capital and all three levels of government to launch projects aimed at operationalizing the AAM industry. CAAM serves as the unified voice and driving force behind Canada’s growing AAM ecosystem. Visit canadianaam.com to learn more.