Marshall University Partners with BETA Technologies on Electric Aviation Training in 2026

West Virginia, USA – Marshall University, a US public university operating the Bill Noe Flight School, has announced a partnership with electric aircraft manufacturer BETA Technologies to develop electric aviation training and workforce education. The collaboration is intended to integrate emerging electric aircraft technologies into the university's pilot training and aviation maintenance programs.

• Marshall University President Brad D. Smith announced plans to acquire two BETA ALIA CX300 electric aircraft. The proposed acquisition includes the aircraft demonstrated at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) on 9 October 2026 and a second aircraft expected in early 2027.
• The partnership will explore incorporating electric propulsion, thermal management and modern flight control systems into Marshall's existing aviation education programs, providing students with exposure to electric aircraft operations and maintenance technologies.
• The collaboration extends to broader advanced air mobility workforce development and regional aviation applications. Marshall and BETA have been discussing how electric aviation technologies could complement existing university training programs.
• AFM previously reported that Marshall University Aviation secured a US$2.502 million federal funding allocation in 2026 to expand aviation training capacity through additional equipment and training tools.
• The partnership announcement coincided with the activation of a 320 kW BETA Charge Cube at West Virginia International Yeager Airport, where an ALIA CX300 conducted a demonstration flight and its first charging session at the facility. Electric aircraft chargers are also operating at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport in Martinsburg and Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, with another planned for Huntington Tri-State Airport. The ALIA CX300 remains in the FAA type certification process.

Statements:

• “Investing in this complete technology ecosystem establishes Marshall University as an early adopter and regional leader in advanced air mobility education. By embedding electric propulsion, thermal management and modern flight controls directly into our flight and maintenance programs, we are ensuring our graduates are ready to lead the aerospace industry into the future while driving economic opportunity across Appalachia,” said Bill Noe, chief aviation officer at Marshall University Aviation.

About Marshall University
Marshall University is a public research university headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia, operating the FAA Part 141 Bill Noe Flight School and an aviation maintenance technology program. Its professional pilot training operations use Cirrus SR20 aircraft at Charleston, Martinsburg and Lewisburg, with the university targeting approximately 350 students and 50 commercial pilot graduates annually when the flight school reaches full operation.

About BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies is a US electric aircraft and aerospace systems manufacturer headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, developing the ALIA CX300 conventional takeoff and landing aircraft and ALIA A250 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The company also produces electric propulsion components and aircraft charging infrastructure, supported by its approximately 188,000-square-foot final assembly facility in Vermont.

Source: Marshall University