Beta makes first electric flight into New York City airport

Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 on Tuesday become the first all-electric aircraft to land at a New York City airport. 

In partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, one of Beta’s prototypes landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) after a 45-minute passenger-carrying demonstration flight with a pilot and four passengers, including Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal and Republic Airways president Matt Koscal.

New York City officials present to mark the Alia’s arrival at KJFK said that they are eager to encourage the adoption of advanced air mobility services as part of wider efforts to decarbonize public transportation. The flight started at East Hampton Airport on Long Island.

For the past six years, Beta has been working on both the conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model and its Alia 250 eVTOL sibling. It is aiming to achieve FAA type certification with the former by the end of 2025.

Just over four years ago, Blade Air Mobility signed a provisional purchase agreement to buy up to 20 Alia aircraft for its charter flight fleet. In February 2023, Vermont-based Beta demonstrated the aircraft at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.

“This electric aircraft flight from Long Island to New York City highlights that quiet and emission-free flight is quickly becoming a reality, benefiting Blade’s fliers, local residents, and other key stakeholders,” Wiesenthal commented. “I can think of no better way to demonstrate our company’s commitment to quiet, electric aircraft commercialization than my participation on this flight as a passenger myself.”

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In December 2023, the Port Authority issued a “request for innovation” seeking proposals from multiple companies to demonstrate next-generation aircraft to better understand their capabilities, potential applications, and both regulatory and infrastructure requirements. Rival eVTOL aircraft developers Joby and Archer have previously announced plans for shuttle services connecting New York City airports with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Republic Airways has expressed interest in introducing electric aircraft to its operations. “With its all-electric design, impressive performance characteristics, and a thoughtful approach to passenger comfort, this aircraft reflects real progress in sustainable regional mobility,” Koscal said. “We’re looking forward to continuing our engagement with Beta as we evaluate how their performance might complement our training programs and our overall commitment to advanced air mobility.”

New York City is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its network by 2050. “The Port Authority has long positioned itself as a testbed for transportation technologies of tomorrow, and this historic flight is the latest example of how we’re working to bring innovation into real-world infrastructure,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We’re excited about the potential for innovations like advanced air mobility to ease regional travel while reducing emissions and noise pollution.”

Source: AIN
--Agencies