Loganair, the Scottish regional airline, is set to make aviation history by becoming the first commercial carrier in Europe to operate an all-electric aircraft fleet. The airline announced its agreement to purchase at least five Beta Alia CX300 all-electric planes, with an option for an additional five, on the opening day of the Farnborough Airshow, which runs from 20-24 July 2026. This significant move is slated for 2029 and follows a successful trial programme conducted earlier in 2026.
The electric planes are designed to support both passenger and cargo operations, offering a sustainable solution for regional travel. With a range of 336 nautical miles, the CX300 is well-suited to Loganair's network, where the majority of its flights are within a 100-mile radius. A key operational advantage highlighted by the airline is the aircraft's ability to recharge rapidly, taking only 20 to 40 minutes, and its compatibility with existing airport runways, minimising infrastructure changes.
Luke Farajallah, Loganair's chief executive, described the agreement as a "truly historic moment for Loganair and for European aviation." He emphasised that the earlier demonstration programme proved electric aviation is a viable commercial opportunity, not merely a future concept. The trials, which involved a partnership with Royal Mail in March, saw the electric plane carrying out flights across Scotland’s mail routes, indicating its potential to reduce operating costs by up to 80% while maintaining essential regional connectivity, particularly for more isolated communities.
Kyle Clark, founder and chief executive of Beta Technologies, the manufacturer of the aircraft, praised Loganair's commitment, noting that their high standards for new technology were met through extensive testing across Loganair's network. The collaboration with Royal Mail also highlighted the planes' potential to assist communities with less infrastructure, with Chris Paxton, strategic insight and innovation manager at Royal Mail, stating at the time that it was an important step towards making electric mail flights a reality for some of the UK’s most remote areas.
This pioneering initiative marks a significant step towards decarbonising regional air travel in the UK and beyond. By adopting electric aircraft, Loganair aims to lead the way in sustainable aviation, potentially setting a precedent for other airlines looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs. The introduction of these planes could transform air links for many Scottish communities, providing a greener and potentially more affordable mode of transport.