Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Completes First Passenger Electric Flight in US, Jetting from East Hampton to JFK
Beta Technologies made history as its all-electric Alia CX300 carried four passengers from East Hampton to JFK—130 km in 35 minutes—for just $8, marking a milestone in quieter, eco-friendly air travel
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Beta Technologies has ushered in a new era of sustainable aviation. On June 3, 2025, the company’s Alia CX300 — a fully electric conventional takeoff-and-landing aircraft — carried four passengers on a 70-nautical-mile (130 km) journey from East Hampton to John F. Kennedy International Airport, completing the flight in ~35 minutes powered by just $8 worth of electricity.
Piloted by CEO Kyle Clark, this historic flight marks the first passenger-bearing electric aircraft landing at JFK, navigating busy Class B airspace to signal readiness for commercial integration. The CX300's near-silent operation offered in-cabin comfort, with passengers able to converse naturally throughout the flight.
Powered by Vermont-based Beta Technologies (founded 2017), which has raised over $1 billion and built a network of 46 charging stations (with 50 more underway), the CX300 already holds FAA airworthiness certification as of November 2024.
Ultra-low cost: Energy for the flight cost just Rs 694 ($8)—vs ~ RS 13,885 ($160) for a similar helicopter route.
Quiet & Eco‑Friendly: No turbine roar—ideal for urban integration, as highlighted in a New York Post feature noting this could re-enable heliports in dense cities.
FAA Support: U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand have aligned standards and pilot training rules, smoothing the path for electric air taxis.
Commercial Prospects: Designed for short hops, Alia has a range of 250 nautical miles, fitting city-to-city or suburban commutes.
Market & Industry Context
Beta is competing with electric aviation startups like Archer Aviation (eVTOL taxis) and Electra.aero (hybrid eSTOL).
With fresh FAA approval and a growing charging network, Beta is poised to start regional and urban services within 1–2 years.
The Alia CX300’s passenger flight is more than a test—it’s a proven breakthrough in making electric air travel practical, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. This signals a looming shift toward urban air mobility, with electric taxis cruising quietly above traffic and emissions.
