Loganair (LM, Glasgow International) has signed a term sheet to order five Alia CX300 electric aircraft with options for five more from Beta Technologies, as it looks to renew its fleet serving economically challenging routes in Scotland. Loganair conducted demonstration flights with an Alia CX300 earlier this year and expects to become Europe's first commercial airline operating electric aircraft. The Alia CX300 is designed as a conventional take-off and landing aircraft with a fully electric engine rechargeable in 20 to 40 minutes. Loganair receives local government assistance for services from Kirkwall to the outlying Orkney Islands, alongside contracts in other parts of Scotland. The airline suggested implementing a funding model resembling Norway, where airlines (predominantly Widerøe) receive subsidies for most services to remote communities.