UPS, together with its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, plans topurchase electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraftfrom Beta Technologies (BETA) to augment its air service for selectsmall and mid-size markets. These aircraft will take off and landon-property at UPS facilities in a whisper-quiet fashion, reducingtime-in-transit, vehicle emissions, and operating cost.
The BETA aircraft’s 1,400-pound cargo capacity is ideally suitedto more quickly and sustainably transport time-sensitive deliveriesthat would otherwise fly on small fixed-wing aircraft. UPS’s use ofthe aircraft will benefit healthcare providers, thousands of smalland medium-sized businesses, and other companies in smallercommunities. With a 250-mile range and cruising speed of up to 170miles per hour, UPS will be able to plan a series of short routes,or one long route, on a single charge to meet customers’ needs.
“This is all about innovation with a focus on returns for ourbusiness, our customers, and the environment,” said UPS ChiefInformation and Engineering Officer Juan Perez. “These new aircraftwill create operational efficiencies in our business, openpossibilities for new services, and serve as a foundation forfuture solutions to reduce the emissions profile of our air andground operation.”
The aviation industry is focusing on small aircraft, which UPSuses to serve many small and medium-sized communities, to developgroundbreaking, sustainable electric-powered aircraft. BETA’saircraft has four fixed vertical lift propellers and one pusherpropeller for forward flight. It can charge in an hour or less, andproduces zero operational emissions.
“We’re combining simple, elegant design and advanced technologyto create a reliable aircraft with zero operational emissions thatwill revolutionize how cargo moves,” said BETA founder and CEO KyleClark. “By utilizing vertical takeoffs and landings, we can turnrelatively small spaces at existing UPS facilities into a micro airfeeder network without the noise or operating emissions oftraditional aircraft.”
UPS has also reserved BETA's recharging station for a seamlessand fully integrated electric aviation system. The BETA chargingstation helps ensure safe and rapid charging of the aircraft inunder one hour, and facilitates a quick turn for the loading andunloading of cargo. The charging station also offers the aircraft’sbatteries a second life cycle.
After the batteries’ first life cycle in the aircraft concludes,they can be fitted to the charging stations to recharge theaircraft’s onboard batteries as well as UPS’s fleet of electricground vehicles. UPS currently operates more than 12,000alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, and announced acommitment to purchase up to 10,000 Arrival electric vehicles.
