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 successfully completed a pioneering 1,219 nm cross-country mission with its electric aircraft, Alia, flying eight legs across six states from New York to Arkansas.
This remarkable achievement demonstrates the viability of long-range electric aviation and highlights Beta's plan to establish a nationwide network of multi-modal charging stations.
The flight showcased significant cost efficiency, with an electric recharge costing $19 for a 160 nm leg compared to $800 for a conventional chase plane.
Alia, designed for eVTOL, is expected to receive FAA certification by 2024 and has already secured orders for cargo and critical transport applications from companies like UPS and United Therapeutics.

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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.”