Yeager Airport installs charging station for electric aircraft

West Virginia International Yeager Airport now hosts a dedicated charging station for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The facility opened recently in a partnership between the airport, the Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School, and BETA Technologies. BETA, a Vermont-based company, developed the specific charging infrastructure installed at the site.

Dominique Ranieri, the airport director and CEO, stated that the airport is ready to accommodate electric aircraft for fueling and airspace use. She emphasized that the new station allows operators to charge their vehicles locally while they continue to develop the technology.

Ranieri said the airport wanted to secure a position in this emerging sector before it becomes widespread. She noted that when regulatory bodies approve these aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, Yeager aims to offer those services to local residents and businesses.

The airport director described the shift toward electric and low-emission flight as a daily evolution in the aviation industry. She indicated that BETA is currently manufacturing aircraft for both vertical and conventional takeoff and landing applications.

Representatives from BETA Technologies attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new station. One of the company's aircraft was present at the event. Marshall University will use the partnership to create a training program for students learning to operate this new class of aircraft.

The Bill Noe Flight School will serve as the primary educational pathway for pilots preparing to fly these electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. This integration of infrastructure and education marks a new operational capability for the region's busiest airport.