UPS To Purchase New Electric Aircraft
UPS is ordering 10 electric aircraft from Beta Technologies.
artist rendering Courtesy of UPS
One of the largest shipping giants in the world is looking to the future with electric airplanes.
UPS, a multinational company headquartered in Atlanta, recently announced plans to purchase 10 electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies, a manufacturing startup in Burlington, Vermont.
Bala Ganesh, vice president of engineering at UPS, says he’s flown the simulator and is looking forward to trying out one of the actual planes.
“The unique thing about this airplane is that it can take off and land vertically,” said Ganesh. “So it takes off and lands like a helicopter and flies like an airplane.”
Ganesh was a guest on Friday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
He told show host Rose Scott that UPS’ plan to purchase the environment-friendly aircraft is connected to the company’s commitment to finding innovative ways to serve its customers.
“When we looked at serving these smaller communities, health care providers and other companies that are working out of smaller communities, we thought this was a great fit to serve them over time,” Ganesh said.
During the virtual conversation, Ganesh said the battery-powered aircraft, which can travel for 200 to 250 miles on a full charge, is still being tested.
UPS expects the electric aircraft to debut in 2024.
To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.
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