GACA President Visits BETA Technologies Factory in United States

September 12, 2024

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, along with a delegation of officials from GACA, the Ministry of Investment, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and representatives from local private-sector companies like NEOM and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), toured a BETA Technologies Company's factory in South Burlington, Vermont. BETA Technologies specializes in the production of electric aircraft and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

 During the visit, the delegation inspected the production lines for advanced air mobility technologies, the latest infrastructure technologies used by the factory, and the operation of charging stations. They also visited the company's research and development centers, where they learned about the latest technology and enabling technologies used in carbon-free manufacturing and production, as well as the engines that rely on charging cubes, which reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. These include the VTOL aircraft and the fully electric models for vertical and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL).

 The GACA delegation's visit is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to reaffirm its commitment to enabling advanced air mobility technologies and sustainable innovations as outlined in the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap launched by GACA earlier this year. It also aims to strengthen cooperation and build partnerships with leading companies in the civil aviation sector, explore opportunities for exchanging expertise in the field of advanced air mobility, and pursue the transfer and localization of advanced aviation technologies while enhancing research, development, and innovation cooperation.