BETA Technologies marked a historic milestone as its ALIA CTOL all-electric aircraft completed a 45-minute passenger flight from Westchester County to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), becoming the first electric plane to land at a Port Authority-operated major commercial airport.
The flight is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s initiative to explore low-emission technologies as it aims for net-zero operations by 2050. The agency’s call last year for next-generation aircraft demonstrations laid the groundwork for this achievement.
“This flight proves electric aviation is not a future concept, it’s here,” said Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA Technologies. “We’re showing how this tech can operate in real-world conditions, in one of the busiest airspaces in the world.”
The ALIA CTOL carried four passengers, including Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal and Republic Airways President Matt Koscal, both early collaborators in BETA’s electric flight trials.
BETA’s fixed-wing electric aircraft is part of a growing wave of advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms designed for short regional trips involving passengers, cargo, and medical deliveries. With quieter operation and lower operating costs compared to helicopters or jets, the aircraft offers a sustainable alternative for congested urban corridors.
The company has logged over 8,000 nautical miles in U.S. flight testing and recently expanded trials to Europe. ALIA remains the only AAM aircraft to hold FAA market survey approval for passenger demonstrations ahead of full certification.
Alongside aircraft development, BETA is building a charging network and production facility in Vermont, supported by state partners including Empire State Development.
“Bringing this aircraft to JFK is a landmark moment for regional connectivity,” said Andrew Kimball, CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). “It sends a clear signal that cities are preparing for electric aviation — and that the technology is nearly ready to scale.”
BETA is also advancing its vertical takeoff and landing (ALIA VTOL) aircraft, with deliveries anticipated later this year. The company’s focus is now shifting toward infrastructure development, regulatory approvals, and integration into existing mobility ecosystems to support the scaling of electric air travel.