UPS will buy 150 electric cargo planes



         United Parcel (UPS) revealed that it plans to purchase electric aircraft as an alternative to fixed-wing aircraft for time-sensitive delivery.


   The express delivery giant stated that it will purchase electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) from Beta Technologies through its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary to enhance its aviation services for some small and medium-sized markets.


  The first 10 planes are scheduled to arrive in 2024, with the option to purchase up to 150 planes.


   United Parcel stated that the aircraft with a capacity of 635 kg is suitable for time-sensitive delivery. Otherwise, they will use small fixed-wing aircraft to fly. They will take off and land at the UPS facility.


   The company said: “The use of this aircraft by United Parcel will benefit healthcare providers, thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, and companies in other smaller communities.”


   "UPS has a cruising range of up to 250 miles and a cruising speed of up to 170 miles per hour. It will be able to plan a series of short-distance routes or a long-distance route on a single charge to meet customer needs."


   UPS Chief Information and Engineering Officer Juan Perez said: "These new aircraft will improve the operational efficiency of our business, provide possibilities for new services, and lay the foundation for future solutions to reduce emissions from our air and ground operations."


   Beta’s aircraft has four fixed vertical lift propellers and one forward propulsion propeller. It can be charged in an hour or less with zero emissions.


   United Parcel said that with the improvement of technology and regulations, the design goal of this aircraft is to one day drive autonomously.


  UPS Flight Forward has obtained the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s first part 135 standard airline certification. It can operate drone airlines and operate flights that generate revenue from drones every day.


   FAA certification also enables UPS to carry a load of 7,500 pounds in flight forward. Either operate with operators, or operate automatically.


   This electric aircraft is currently in the testing phase.