Electric Aircraft Flies Eight Legs Across Six States

In a remarkable milestone for an electric aircraft, Beta Technologies has flown its Alia test demonstrator on an eight-leg mission across six states achieving a total distance of 1,219 nm.

Thom Patterson

Friday, June 03, 2022 at 08:17 AM ET

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During the eight-leg flight, Beta Technologies Alia test demonstrator flew across parts of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

Beta Technologies' electric aircraft, Alia, successfully completed an unprecedented 1,219 nautical mile, eight-leg cross-country flight across six states, demonstrating the viability of long-range electric aviation.
The mission highlighted the significant cost savings of electric flight, with a recharge for a 160 nm leg costing only $19 compared to $800 for the accompanying chase plane.
The flight also served to advance Alia's test program and showcase Beta's multi-modal charging station network, with FAA certification expected by 2024 for cargo and organ transport.

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In a remarkable milestone for an electric aircraft, Beta Technologies has flown its Alia test demonstrator on an eight-leg cross-country mission across six states totaling 1,219 nm.

“It’s not something that I know has been done previously, and it will be the first time that our aircraft has done it,” said Beta flight test engineer Emma Davis in a company video. “So it’s a huge step forward showing that it is a viable future to have an electric aircraft that can travel long ranges, not just short hops.”