130km for under ₹700; Electric plane completes first passenger flight

In a significant leap for sustainable aviation, Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 electric aircraft has successfully completed its first passenger flight, a landmark achievement in aviation history. The fully electric aircraft transported four passengers over a distance of approximately 130 kilometers (70 nautical miles) from East Hampton to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in the United States, completing the journey in just 30 minutes earlier this month. This groundbreaking flight underscores the immense potential of electric air travel, particularly its remarkable cost-efficiency.

The maiden passenger flight of the Alia CX300 incurred an electricity cost of less than ₹700 (approximately $8), a stark contrast to the estimated ₹13,885 (around $160) for fuel that a helicopter would require to cover the same distance. Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, highlighted the economic advantage, stating, "Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8. Although the payment for the pilot and the airplane is separate, it is quite economical." Beyond the cost savings, passengers experienced a notably quieter journey due to the absence of noisy engines and propellers, enabling comfortable conversation throughout the flight.

Founded in 2017 and based in Vermont, Beta Technologies has been at the forefront of electric aviation, developing both the conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model and its Alia 250 eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft. The company recently secured $318 million in funding to expedite the production, certification, and commercialization of its electric aircraft. Beta Technologies is actively pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, with an aim to achieve it by the end of the year. The company asserts that its aircraft, capable of flying up to 250 nautical miles (approximately 463 km) on a single charge, are ideally suited for short inter-city trips.

The burgeoning electric air travel sector is witnessing increasing activity, with several companies vying for leadership. Notably, Archer Aviation was recently appointed as the official air taxi provider for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, planning to commence LA network operations by 2026, pending FAA certification. This development suggests a future where electric aircraft, with their reduced operational costs, lower noise pollution, and zero direct emissions, could redefine urban and regional mobility.