Landmark Agreement Signed During Utah Aerospace & Defense Day Showcases Vision for Statewide Electric Aircraft Network and Sustainable Air Transportation
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
In recent news from Salt Lake City, the Utah Aerospace & Defense group (47G) is scheduled to sign a landmark agreement with South Burlington, Vermont-based electric aircraft manufacturer, BETA Technologies. Letters of support for the agreement will be signed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). This creates an opportunity to bring electric aircraft and charging stations to Utah, representing a major leap forward in establishing a well-functioning, statewide air cargo and transportation system in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
The signing will occur during the annual Utah Aerospace & Defense Day on the Hill hosted by 47G. This premier event will feature over 50 exhibitors in Utah’s aerospace and defense industry showcasing cutting-edge innovations such as virtual electric flight experiences, artificial intelligence breakthroughs, 3D printing, delivery drones, advanced robotics, space exploration materials, and much more.
The signing occurs at 9:30, followed by demonstrations from 11:30-1. The visuals include scale models of the BETA aircraft and BETA Charge Cubes, important parts of their electric aircraft infrastructure solution. Guests include Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox, GOEO Executive Director Ryan Starks, Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Regional Administrator Aleta Best, UDOT Aeronautics Director Matt Maass, BETA Technologies CEO & Founder Kyle Clark, and 47G President & CEO Aaron Starks.
47G describes themselves as “positioning Utah as the nation’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense and cyber”. As the fastest-growing organization of its kind in the country, 47G convenes, promotes, and advocates for companies in Utah that are developing the next generation of aerospace, defense, and cyber technologies.
BETA’s designs are based on a quick-charging, fast-turnaround cargo model designed for short/medium length trips, leading to major deals with large transportation/logistics companies such as UPS.
More information on 47G is available here. More information on BETA Technologies is available here.
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Read more:
- Rebuilding America’s Defense Industry: Utah Gov. Tours Teal Drones HQ
- Drone Delivery in Utah: Zipline and Intermountain Healthcare Launch Program
- UPS Will Purchase BETA Technologies VTOL Aircraft: the Future of Drone Delivery
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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