Beta Technologies has recently announced the launch of its new electric aircraft designed for passenger transport, expanding its ALIA series of vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This innovative aircraft distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for traditional runways, aligning with the growing trend of electric aviation.
Based in Vermont, Beta Technologies has successfully raised over $860 million from prominent investors, including Amazon’s The Climate Pledge. The startup is taking a unique approach to electric aviation, opting not to create its own urban air taxi network, as some of its competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have done. Instead, Beta aims to operate as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), focusing on selling aircraft and charging solutions to various customers.
The company has already attracted a diverse clientele spanning defense, cargo delivery, and medical logistics sectors, with partners like United Therapeutics, UPS, Air New Zealand, and the U.S. Air Force. Beta plans to commence operations in these markets by 2025. Notably, its charging infrastructure currently consists of 34 operational sites, with more than 50 additional locations in development, which other companies like Archer are utilizing.
Beta’s founder and CEO, Kyle Clark, has emphasized that the incorporation of passenger transport has always been integral to the company’s vision. While the company has yet to produce a fully operational passenger-carrying prototype, the design will share many characteristics with existing models, facilitating a smoother certification and manufacturing process. The primary distinctions in the passenger variant include additional windows for outside views and a configuration that accommodates five passenger seats alongside the pilot’s cabin, luggage space, and amenities designed for passenger comfort, such as light and ventilation controls.
All aircraft versions are capable of carrying approximately 1,400 pounds, and the company has already conducted cargo missions for military clients. Beta Technologies boasts a significant flight experience, claiming more flight hours than any other competitor in the industry. Clark believes that the extensive operational history will foster trust in the aircraft’s safety before they begin carrying passengers, potentially allowing Beta to enter the passenger market ahead of its rivals.
Clark estimates that the aircraft could receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification within 13 to 14 months. The company has secured a “market survey ticket,” which permits test flights with prospective customers to evaluate the aircraft. This proactive approach has helped attract interest in the passenger sector, exemplified by on-demand aviation startup Blade’s order for up to 20 eVTOLs. Other clients include LCI, which plans to use the aircraft for guest transport to Aria Hotels in Greece, and Helijet, which has ordered four eVTOLs with an option for four more.
Beta Technologies is poised to meet these and other orders in the coming years. The company has recently transitioned to a production facility in South Burlington, where it aims to produce hundreds of aircraft over the next 18 months. Looking ahead, Clark envisions that the facility could achieve a production capacity of up to 300 aircraft annually within four years.
Clark’s vision for electric aviation extends beyond just manufacturing; he believes it could significantly reduce the costs associated with regional flights. Currently, high operational costs for traditional jet engines make short regional flights expensive. Transitioning to electric aircraft could halve these costs, thereby opening up numerous market opportunities for air travel and making it more accessible to individuals who might otherwise rely on lengthy car journeys to reach commercial airports.
