Salt Lake City — 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) and industry-leading aircraft manufacturer, BETA Technologies, signed a historic agreement that creates an opportunity to bring electric aircraft and charging stations to Utah. The agreement represents a major leap forward in establishing a well-functioning, statewide transportation system in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. Letters of support for the agreement were signed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).
This defining moment in Utah’s history took place during Utah Aerospace & Defense Day on the Hill and marks the beginning of a partnership that will position Utah as a national leader for a new form of transportation that uses electric aircraft to move people and packages. The agreement will help to provide Utahns with cost-effective mobility options, reduce commute times, increase access for communities across the state and improve air quality through clean energy solutions that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.
“Utah is at the epicenter of cutting-edge innovations in the commercial aviation industry that will play a critical role in Utah’s economic future. Utah is not just embracing the future of transportation—we are leading it,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “We are working to implement an advanced air mobility strategy that provides Utahns more transportation choices, improves air quality through the use of clean energy technologies, and enhances access to jobs, education and recreational opportunities.”
The public-private partnership will help to establish a statewide electric charging network for both aircraft and ground-based vehicles, create pilot training programs and develop a model to forecast flight operations. It also encourages flight demonstrations that help to educate and engage the public about this new form of transportation. Over the past decade, Utah has been the youngest and fastest-growing state in the country. With nine out of ten Utahns living in urban areas, state leaders are seeking sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to keep Utah moving.
“We move people -- and the things they need -- using more than just roads,” said Carlos Braceras, executive director. “As Utah’s population grows and we face increasing demands on our ground transportation system, we know that advanced air mobility offers innovative new solutions to address our evolving mobility needs.”
Known for its all-electric aircraft named ALIA, BETA has redefined air travel with its ability to transport up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo. In addition, the company’s Charge Cubes have been accepted as the industry standard by most air taxi manufacturers, and can be used to charge electric ground vehicles, making them a game-changing technological innovation that will further enhance the scalability and sustainability of air transportation while simultaneously helping to meet the needs of electric cars and trucks.
“Utah has a long legacy of excellence in aerospace, which BETA already knows first-hand as many components of our ALIA aircraft are built here,” said Kyle Clark, BETA Founder and CEO. “The state’s spirit of innovation and progress has fueled remarkable transformation over the past decade, so this focus on preparing for the future comes as no surprise. Governor Cox and the 47G team have a bold vision for how advanced air mobility can revolutionize transportation, expand access, and connect communities across the state. We are excited to help bring this new mode of transport to Utahns.”
Industry analysts predict that the advanced air mobility (AAM) market will reach a value of $1.5 trillion by 2040 and Utah is well positioned to reap the benefits of this burgeoning industry. In Utah, the AAM industry is forecast to generate 11,000 new full-time jobs, $8 billion in new business activity and related stimulus, and $1.8 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues by 2045.
UDOT is tasked with ensuring that a new transportation system in the air safely and seamlessly integrates with the existing transportation system on the ground. In his recently released budget for Fiscal Year 2026, Governor Cox identified $2 million for aircraft charging stations. If approved by the Utah Legislature during its 2025 General Session, UDOT would oversee a competitive procurement process to select a company that can provide charging stations for select airports across the state.
“Utah is proud to join forces with BETA Technologies, UDOT and 47G to redefine how Utahns live, work and build in our great state,” said Jim Grover, managing director of economic growth for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Utah’s history, positioning our state at the forefront of advanced air mobility. With Utah leading the charge, this landmark opportunity will revolutionize how we travel, connecting our talented workforce across regions, improving healthcare access and assisting with energy development in rural areas.”
47G Project Alta, short for the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance, is a public-private partnership with a mission to establish an air transportation system for Utah. In close collaboration with its public and private-sector partners, Project Alta is working to expand existing drone package delivery, institute reliable cargo air transport systems, and move people via air taxis.
“This partnership brings together organizations who all share the vision and collective resources to move Utah into a leading position nationally,” said Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO. “Air mobility will eventually change the way people commute, receive life-saving medical supplies and transport parcels and packages with greater efficiency.”
About the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
Under Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s direction, the GOEO provides resources and support for business creation, growth, and recruitment, while also promoting tourism and film production in Utah. Our office cultivates economic prosperity for all Utahns, leveraging federal, state, and private sector resources to implement programs in areas with the highest potential for economic development and opportunities for Utah residents.
About 47G
47G is making Utah the nation’s premier ecosystem for aerospace and defense. 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 and defense technologies. Want to learn more? Visit our website at 47G.org, follow us on LinkedIn and X, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
About BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company based in Vermont, has been working to make aviation safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective since 2017. The company is producing several products to enable electric aviation, including battery-powered aircraft, multimodal and interoperable charging infrastructure, and training programs for next-generation pilots and maintainers. BETA has designed and is certifying two battery-powered, electric aircraft: a fixed-wing airplane (ALIA CTOL) and an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (ALIA VTOL). The company has also brought electric aircraft chargers online at 46 locations across the east, west, and gulf coasts – with more in development.