The agreement represents a step towards 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 stakeholders hope 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 epicentre 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 with 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. 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 of the Utah Department of Transportation. “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 can transport up to five passengers or 1,250lb of cargo. In addition, the company’s Charge Cubes 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 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 fuelled 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 revolutionise 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 $1.5trillion by 2040. In Utah, the AAM industry is forecast to generate 11,000 new full-time jobs, $8bn in new business activity and related stimulus, and $1.8bn in local, state and federal tax revenues by 2045.
“This partnership brings together organisations who all share the vision and collective re-sources 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.”
