Beta Launches 'Energy By The Hour' MRO Program with Air New Zealand

Beta Launches 'Energy By The Hour' MRO Program with Air New Zealand

Beta Technologies, in collaboration with Air New Zealand, has introduced its innovative ‘Energy By the Hour’ (EBH) maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program at the Paris Air Show. Drawing inspiration from the aviation industry’s established Power-by-the-Hour agreements, the EBH initiative is designed to optimize battery safety, extend cycle life, and enhance aircraft availability by providing comprehensive battery replacement and maintenance services for a fixed hourly fee.

A New Model for Battery Management in Advanced Air Mobility

The EBH program represents a pioneering effort within the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, offering airlines a complete battery management solution. This includes real-time performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, battery pack replacement, and end-of-life recycling. Air New Zealand will serve as the program’s inaugural customer, with plans to trial the EBH system on its Tech Demonstrator Alia CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft, expected to be delivered this fall. After a four-month familiarization period with the new aircraft, Air New Zealand intends to commence testing the EBH program later this year.

Shawn Hall, Beta’s chief revenue officer, emphasized the program’s value, stating, “We developed a program to ensure our customers receive the same type of predictable maintenance cost benefits they are accustomed to with traditional power by the hour programs, but applied to batteries.” He highlighted Beta’s extensive experience, noting that more than five years of real-world flying and a world-class battery development facility have instilled strong confidence in the company’s battery performance.

Challenges and Industry Implications

Beta’s entry into electric aircraft maintenance arrives amid significant challenges facing the sector. The reliability and scalability of electric aviation technology remain critical concerns, with some market analysts expressing skepticism about the long-term viability of electric solutions compared to conventional fuel-based operations. The launch of the EBH program may prompt competitors to accelerate their development of electric or hybrid aircraft to maintain market relevance. Furthermore, the industry must contend with evolving regulatory frameworks and the need to adapt infrastructure to support new operational models, factors that could complicate widespread adoption.

At the Paris Air Show, Beta also announced a memorandum of understanding with U.S. regional carrier Republic Airways to evaluate the Alia CTOL aircraft later this year. This collaboration will enable Republic Airways to assess the aircraft’s performance and explore potential route applications.

Earlier this month, Beta achieved a significant milestone by flying the first passenger-carrying electric aircraft into New York’s JFK International Airport. The flight, originating from East Hampton Airport, carried four passengers, including the CEOs of Republic Airways and Blade Air Mobility, underscoring the growing industry interest in electric aviation despite ongoing challenges.

As Beta and its partners advance, the success of the EBH program and the broader adoption of electric aircraft will hinge on overcoming technical, regulatory, and market obstacles while demonstrating the reliability and cost-effectiveness of next-generation aviation technologies.