"It's a bird! It's a plane!" It’s an aeroplane being transported over Limerick by helicopter

“UP IN the sky! Look! It's a bird! It's a plane!" Yes, it’s an electric aeroplane being transported by helicopter over County Limerick.

It certainly isn’t a sight you see every day. US-based Beta Technologies' electric Alia CTOL aircraft arrived by ship into Foynes Port last week. It was then attached to a helicopter and carried across County Limerick to Shannon Airport.

A post on Foynes Flying Boat Museum’s social media accounts reads: “We have indeed come a long way from the glorious days of the flying boats!”.

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They said that aviation history was made again at Foynes with the arrival by ship of Beta Technologies' electric Alia CTOL aircraft. 

“The plane was transported by helicopter to Shannon where its official launch took place, with the support of Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI),” said the post.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum also congratulated museum board member Russell Vickers who flew it along the Cliffs of Moher.

A spokesperson for FMCI said they are still flying high after the exciting visit from BETA Technologies’ Alia CTOL aircraft, which culminated with the first fully-electric flights in Ireland.

“This milestone flight left from Shannon Airport on Friday, May 23, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Shannon's storied aviation legacy. 

“Ireland is ushering in a new era of more sustainable and accessible aviation, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

“At FMCI, we couldn't be prouder and more grateful for our partnership with BETA. This historic event is a testament to what can happen when innovations are given a platform to progress, an idea at the very heart of FMCI's mission. said the spokesperson on social media.

Minister of State Sean Canney said: “This is more than a demonstration — it’s a glimpse into a future of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air transport.”