Marshall University Partners with BETA Technologies on Electric Aviation Training, Plans to Acquire Two ALIA CX300 Aircraft
Why It MattersUniversity flight schools are starting to pair electric aircraft with local charging networks, which could shape how the next pilot and maintenance workforce trains for advanced air mobility.
Marshall University, a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, that operates the FAA Part 141 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 bring electric aircraft technologies into the university's pilot training and aviation maintenance programs, covering electric propulsion, thermal management and modern flight control systems.
University President Brad D. Smith announced plans to acquire two BETA ALIA CX300 electric aircraft. They include the aircraft demonstrated at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) on 9 October 2026 and a second aircraft expected in early 2027. The ALIA CX300 remains in the FAA type certification process.
The announcement coincided with the activation of a 320 kW BETA Charge Cube at Yeager Airport, where an ALIA CX300 flew a demonstration and completed its first charging session at the facility. Electric aircraft chargers also operate at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport in Martinsburg and Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, with another planned for Huntington Tri-State Airport.
Marshall University Aviation secured a US$2.502 million federal funding allocation in 2026 to expand training capacity through additional equipment and training tools. Its professional pilot training uses Cirrus SR20 aircraft at Charleston, Martinsburg and Lewisburg, and the university is targeting about 350 students and 50 commercial pilot graduates annually once the flight school reaches full operation.
Bill Noe, chief aviation officer at Marshall University Aviation, said: "Investing in this complete technology ecosystem establishes Marshall University as an early adopter and regional leader in advanced air mobility education." BETA Technologies, headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, is developing the ALIA CX300 conventional takeoff and landing aircraft and the ALIA A250 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and also produces electric propulsion components and charging infrastructure.
