{{Short description|Vermont electric aircraft manufacturer}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox company | name = Beta Technologies, Inc. | logo = BETA_Technologies_logo.png | image = | type = [[Public company|Public]] | traded_as = {{NYSE|BETA}} | industry = [[Aerospace]] | founded = {{start date and age|2017}} | founder = Kyle Clark | hq_location = [[South Burlington, Vermont]], United States | products = [[Electric aircraft]] and charging infrastructure | num_employees = 800 (October 2024)<ref name=burlington>{{cite web |url=https://sevendaysvt.com/news/beta-technologies-designed-a-revolutionary-plane-now-its-prepping-to-build-it-42115639 |title= Beta Technologies Builds Out Its Manufacturing Line in South Burlington |date=2024-10-23 |first=Derek |last=Brouwer |website=sevendaysvt |access-date=2025-06-07 }}</ref> | website = {{URL|beta.team/}} }}
'''Beta Technologies, Inc.''' (stylized as '''BETA Technologies'''), is a [[South Burlington, Vermont]]-based [[aerospace]] manufacturer developing [[eVTOL|electric vertical take off and landing]] (eVTOL) and electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft for the cargo, medical passenger, and military aviation industries.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/beta-technologies-races-to-develop-electric-aviation/Content?oid=21874381|title=Beta Technologies Races to Develop Electric Aviation|last=Picard|first=Ken|date=2018-10-17|work=Seven Days |location=Vermont |access-date=April 10, 2021}}</ref><ref name=axios>{{Cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/electric-airplanes-beta-technologies-ectol-certification |last=Freedman|first=Andrew |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Meet Beta Technologies' new electric plane |website=axios.com |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref> The company has also developed a network of chargers which can supply power to their aircraft and other electric vehicles.<ref name=drive1>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/tech/25914/beta-technologies-a-vermont-e-vtol-air-taxi-start-up-might-be-about-to-change-the-aviation-world |title=Beta Technologies, a Vermont Air Taxi Start-Up, Might Be About to Change the Aviation World|website=The Drive |date=January 11, 2019 |access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref><ref name=charging>{{cite news |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/beta-technologies-plans-a-web-of-charging-stations-across-the-eastern-us-to-power-its-electric-planes/Content?oid=36730885 |last=McCallum |first=Kevin |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Beta Technologies Plans a Web of Charging Stations Across the Eastern U.S. to Power Its Electric Planes |access-date=September 13, 2023 |work=Seven Days |location=Vermont }}</ref> Training programs for future electric aircraft pilots and maintainers are also provided.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reichmann |first=Kelsey |date=2021-09-20 |title=CAE and BETA Team Up on eVTOL Pilot Training |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2021/09/20/cae-beta-team-evtol-pilot-training/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Avionics International |language=en}}</ref>
The company was founded by Kyle Clark in 2017 and by late 2024 had more than 800 employees.<ref name=burlington/> Its CX300 production aircraft received [[Airworthiness_certificate#Special_airworthiness_certificate| special airworthiness certification]] from the [[FAA]] in November 2024.<ref name=Wietering2024>{{cite news |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=Beta Flies First Electric Airplane Produced in Vermont Factory |work=Aviation International News |date=2024-11-14 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-14/beta-flies-first-electric-airplane-produced-vermont-factory |access-date=2024-12-16}}</ref> It made the U.S.'s first passenger-carrying flight by an electric aircraft in June 2025.<ref name=Daleo20250603>{{Cite news |last=Daleo |first=Jack |title=Beta Completes Historic Passenger-Carrying Flight at JFK Airport |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/beta-completes-historic-passenger-carrying-flight-at-jfk-airport/ |work=flyingmag.com |date=3 June 2025 |access-date=6 June 2025 }}</ref>
== History == [[File:BETA_Technologies_A250_eVTOL_Prototype_Aircraft.jpg|thumb|BETA Technologies’ A250 eVTOL prototype aircraft]] Beta Technologies was incorporated in 2017 in Burlington, Vermont by Kyle Clark, an experienced pilot, engineer and entrepreneur.<ref name=vermont1>{{cite web|url=https://vermontbiz.com/news/2021/february/15/beta-technologies-flying-clean-maybe-saving-lives |title=Beta Technologies: Flying clean, maybe saving lives|website=Vermont Biz |date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021}}</ref><ref name=evtol1>{{cite web|url=https://evtol.com/features/behind-the-controls-of-an-evtol-aircraft-a-test-pilots-perspective/ |title=Behind the controls of an eVTOL aircraft: A test pilot's perspective |website=eVTOL.com |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref> In order to become the company's first test pilot, he learned to fly helicopters, and earned FAA qualifications for a [[powered lift]] rating.<ref name=evtol1/>
The company identified its first customer as [[United Therapeutics]], which under founder and CEO [[Martine Rothblatt]] was looking for efficient transportation methods for organs intended for human transplant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://evtol.com/features/united-therapeutics-helping-evtol-developers-succeed/ |title=How United Therapeutics is helping eVTOL developers succeed|website=EVTOL |date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021}}</ref> United Therapeutics awarded Beta a $48 million contract.<ref name=Brouwer>{{Cite news|title=Flight Path: BTV's Beta Technologies is on the Cusp of a Breakthrough for Electric Aviation |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/flight-path-btvs-beta-technologies-is-on-the-cusp-of-a-breakthrough-for-electric-aviation/Content?oid=32957639 |last=Brouwer|first=Derek|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=September 15, 2021|work=[[Seven Days (newspaper)|Seven Days]] }}</ref><ref name=evtol2>{{cite web|url=https://evtol.news/news/us-air-force-primes-the-evtol-industry |title=US Air Force Primes the eVTOL Industry |website=eVTOL News|date=March 1, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref>
On May 23, 2018, the company made the first tethered flight of its original 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) Ava XC eight motor, eight propeller battery-operated proof of concept aircraft.<ref name=evtol2/>
The company came out of stealth in January 2019.<ref name=drive1/> That year, the Ava XC became the world's heaviest eVTOL aircraft to fly.<ref name=drive1/>
In February 2020, the company began participating in the [[United States Air Force]] Agility Prime program that seeks to advance electric air mobility. In May, the [[Air Force Life Cycle Management Center]] announced that the company, along with [[Joby Aviation]], would progress to the third phase of the program.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beta and Joby advance in U.S. Air Force Agility Prime campaign|url=https://evtol.com/news/beta-joby-advance-air-force-agility-prime/ |date=May 30, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=evtol.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Beta, Joby advance in Air Race to Certification|url=https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2202067/beta-joby-advance-in-air-race-to-certification/ |date=May 29, 2020|access-date=April 11, 2021|website=aflcmc.af.mil }}</ref> In June, the company unveiled its second aircraft prototype, [[Beta Technologies Alia|ALIA A250]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beta unveils its new eVTOL: the avian-inspired Alia|url=https://evtol.com/features/beta-unveils-alia-evtol/ |last=Adams|first=Eric|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=evtol.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
In March 2021, the ALIA A250 made a test flight from Plattsburgh, New York, across Lake Champlain to Burlington, Vermont.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beta scores multiple milestones in quiet pursuit of electric flight|url=https://evtol.com/news/beta-alia-evtol-flight-test-milestones/ |last=Adams|first=Eric|date=March 17, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=evtol.com }}</ref> In April, [[United Parcel Service]] (UPS) entered into a contract for ten A250 aircraft to be supplied in 2024, which included the option for UPS to acquire up to 150 more aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Beta hopes its electric vertical aircraft deal with UPS validates this new mode of transport|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/07/beta-hopes-evtol-aircraft-deal-with-ups-validates-new-transport-mode.html |last=Holland|first=Frank|date=April 8, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=cnbc.com }}</ref> UPS announced it planned to have them travel directly to and from UPS facilities, rather than use airports.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beta Technologies announces deal with UPS for up to 150 eVTOL aircraft|url=https://evtol.com/news/beta-technologies-ups-deal-150-evtol-aircraft/|last=Head|first=Elan|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=evtol.com}}</ref> In April, [[Blade (company)|Blade Urban Air Mobility]] made a commitment to purchase up to 20 ALIA aircraft, becoming BETA's first passenger service company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://verticalmag.com/news/blade-orders-20-evtol-aircraft-from-beta-technologies/ |title=Blade orders up to 20 eVTOL aircraft from Beta Technologies |website=Vertical |date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref> In May, the U.S. Air Force's Public Affairs office announced that Beta Technologies was granted the Air Force's first airworthiness certificate as a part of the [[AFWERX]] Agility Prime program, allowing the military to begin using the company's aircraft for test flights.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2596184/air-force-awards-first-airworthiness-approval-for-human-flight-in-electric-airc/ |title=Air Force awards first airworthiness approval for human flight in electric aircraft program|website=Air Force |date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021}}</ref> In July, the company completed a {{cvt|205|mi}} crewed flight of its aircraft, its longest flight up to that point.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://evtol.com/news/beta-alia-aircraft-achieves-200-mile-test-flight/ |title=Beta's fully electric Alia aircraft achieves 200+ mile test flight |website=eVTOL |date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021}}</ref> For longer-range military applications, a hybrid solution using an onboard diesel-powered electricity generator to supply the engines is under development. After a long deployment flight, for example, the generator could be detached and be used as a ground base to supply power for short flights.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/afwerx-says-agility-prime-evtols-lack-range-shifts-hybrid |url-status=live |last=Reim |first=Garrett |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219120303/https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/afwerx-says-agility-prime-evtols-lack-range-shifts-hybrid |archive-date=2024-12-19 |date=December 16, 2024 |title=AFWERX Says Agility Prime eVTOLs Lack Range, Shifts To Hybrid |work=Aviation Week |access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref>
The company announced on January 31, 2022, that it had won a U.S. Army contract to support flight testing of its ALIA electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The partnership is designed to help the Army test specific military cargo and logistics missions for eVTOLs, while allowing Beta to accelerate development for both military and civil applications. Initially, Army engineers and Beta's team would evaluate how ALIA might best be applied to specific missions by measuring its range, altitude, endurance, and payload limits.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-31|title=U.S. Army Partners with eVTOL Developer Beta Technologies|url=https://www.flyingmag.com/beta-technologies-us-army-contract/|access-date=February 1, 2022|website=FLYING Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2022, the company hosted the [[United States Air Force]] and USAF test pilots flew the ALIA aircraft for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.popsci.com/technology/air-force-pilots-fly-beta-electric-aircraft/|last=Verger|first=Rob|date=March 14, 2022 |title=The Air Force just soared past an electric aircraft milestone|website=popsci.com |access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref>
In April 2022, aircraft lessor [[Lease Corporation International]] placed an order for fifty ALIA aircraft,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helicopterinvestor.com/articles/lci-orders-50-alia-evtols-from-beta-250/ |last=Whyte|first=Alasdair|date=April 27, 2022|title=LCI orders 50 Alia eVTOLs from Beta |website=Helicopterinvestor.com |access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref> and in August that year, vertical lift aircraft operator [[Bristow Helicopters]] ordered five ALIA with options for an additional fifty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-08-09/bristow-orders-55-betas-alia-250-evtol-aircraft |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |date=August 9, 2022|title=Bristow Orders Up to 55 of Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL Aircraft |website=futureflight.aero |access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref>
In May 2022, an ALIA aircraft completed a flight of {{cvt|1400|mi}} in total, from New York State to Arkansas. This included stops along the way for recharging on the company's network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.popsci.com/technology/alia-electric-aircraft-completes-journey/ |last=Verger|first=Rob |date=June 2, 2022|title=An electric aircraft just completed a journey of 1,403 miles|website=popsci.com |access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref> The ALIA was included in [[X-Plane (simulator)|X-Plane 12]], desktop simulation software developed by [[Laminar Research]], in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/experiencing-the-future-of-flight-through-simulation-software/ |last=Nevans|first=Jan|date=October 20, 2022|title=Experiencing the future of flight through simulation software |work=Vertical Magazine |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref>
In December 2022, an ALIA completed another test flight after traveling {{cvt|876|mi}} to [[UPS Worldport]], where its founder was met by U.S. Secretary of Transportation [[Pete Buttigieg]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/beta-achieves-multi-mission-flight-from-new-york-to-kentucky/ |last=Cowan|first=Gerrard|date=December 19, 2022|title=Beta achieves multi-mission flight from New York to Kentucky |work=Vertical Magazine |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref> The same month, the company completed a FAA-sponsored {{cvt|50|ft}} battery [[drop test]] with the [[Wichita State University#Research|National Institute of Aviation Research]] as part of [[crashworthiness]] determination for the eVTOL industry.<ref name=battery>{{Cite web|url=https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-21/beta-partners-evtol-safety-researchers-50-foot-battery-drop-test|last=Weitering|first=Hanneke|date=December 27, 2022|title=Beta Partners With eVTOL Safety Researchers for 50-foot Battery Drop Test|website=Future Flight|language=en|access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref> Also in December, BETA was selected as one of four developers to be a part of [[Air New Zealand]]’s Mission Next Generation aircraft program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-14/air-new-zealand-names-four-partners-nextgen-aircraft-program |last=Weitering|first=Hanneke|date=December 15, 2022 |title=Air New Zealand Names Four Partners for NextGen Aircraft Program |website=futureflight.aero |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref>
By the end of 2022, the company had begun to repurpose an [[Energizer Battery]] plant in [[St. Albans (town), Vermont|St. Albans, Vermont]] for use as its primary battery validation facility.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.samessenger.com/beta-gets-local-drb-approval-expected-buildout-includes-concrete-testing-chambers/article_89439682-77ea-11ed-a044-1fc976bb6912.html |last=Ellerbrock |first=Josh |date=December 22, 2022 |title=BETA gets local DRB approval; Expected buildout includes concrete testing chambers |website=samessenger.com |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref>
In March 2023, the company sought FAA certification for a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of its ALIA aircraft, dubbed the CX300, and had received orders for the new product from Bristow, Air New Zealand, and United Therapeutics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-13/beta-technologies-plans-certify-electric-ctol-airplane|last=Weitering|first=Hanneke |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Beta Technologies Plans To Certify Electric CTOL Airplane |website=futureflight.aero |access-date=September 12, 2023}}</ref> The company said that FAA test pilots had flown the aircraft during a qualification evaluation earlier that year.<ref name=axios/> It also opened an office in [[Montreal]].<ref name=sevendays>{{cite news |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/beta-technologies-opens-satellite-office-in-montreal/Content?oid=37762023 |title=Beta Technologies Opens Satellite Office in Montréal |last=Brouwer|first=Derek |work=Seven Days |location=Vermont |date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}</ref> [[File:BETA_Technologies_Production_Facility.jpg|thumb|BETA Technologies’ final assembly and production facility in South Burlington, Vermont]] In October 2023, the company opened a {{cvt|188500|ft2|-2}} production facility at [[Burlington International Airport]]. This is reportedly capable of producing up to 300 aircraft per year, with a planned Phase II buildout intended to double in size.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vermontbiz.com/news/2023/october/06/beta-technologies-opens-electric-aircraft-production-facility |title=BETA Technologies opens electric aircraft production facility |date=6 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2024 |website=vermontbiz }}</ref> [[File:BETA_Technologies_A250_Electric_Aircraft_Charging.jpg|thumb|BETA Technologies’ 320 kW charge cube]] In April 2024, the ALIA A250 aircraft completed a piloted transition, going from hover to wing-borne flight and then back to hover before landing.<ref name=23Apr2024>{{Cite news |last= Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=Beta's Alia 250 eVTOL Aircraft Achieves Piloted Transition Flights |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-23/beta-achieves-piloted-evtol-aircraft-transition-flights |date=23 April 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=Aviation International News}}</ref> Also that month, the company announced that it had received certification for its 320 kW "charge cube" from the [[Underwriters Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-19/betas-charge-cube-earns-ul-safety-certification |title=Beta's 'Charge Cube' Earns UL Safety Certification |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |work=Aviation International News |date=19 April 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024 }}</ref>
In July 2024, the company completed several military exercises in collaboration with the Department of Defense, for the Air Force and Air National Guard, including cargo transport and a [[Medical_evacuation|medivac]] simulation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolution.aero/news/2024/07/15/beta-completes-two-new-deployments-us-air-force/ |title=BETA completes two new US Air Force deployments |last=Le Marquand |first=Yves |website=revolution.aero |date=15 July 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024 }}</ref>
In September 2024, the [[United States Department of Health and Human Services|U.S. Department of Health and Human Services]] agreed a $20 million contract with the company to install its chargers at 22 sites across the East and Gulf coasts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/04/hhs-electric-air-taxis-rural-health-care-disaster-relief |website=axios |title=Exclusive: U.S. looks to electric aircraft for emergency response |last=Muller |first=Joann |date=4 September 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024 }}</ref> Also that month, BETA unveiled the prototype of its five-passenger ALIA aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/beta-technologies-unveils-first-passenger-carrying-electric-aircraft/ |title=Beta Technologies unveils first passenger carrying electric aircraft |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |website=techcrunch |date=30 September 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024 }}</ref> and in October the company raised $318 million of new investment, led by [[Qatar Investment Authority|Qatar's sovereign wealth fund]], which brought its total capital to over $1 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/air-travel/its-been-a-turbulent-week-for-electric-aircraft-startups |title=Electric aircraft startups are having a topsy-turvy week |last=Gallucci |first=Maria |date=5 November 2024 |access-date=6 November 2024 |website=canarymedia.com }}</ref>
By the end of 2024, Metro Aviation had placed an order for 20 ALIA aircraft, as one of the first air medical service providers in the U.S. to add eVTOL aircraft to its fleet.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Daleo |first=Jack |title=Air Ambulance Service Metro Aviation Orders 20 Beta Electric VTOL Aircraft |work=FLYING Magazine |date=2024-11-05 |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/modern/air-ambulance-service-metro-aviation-orders-20-beta-electric-vtol-aircraft/ |access-date=2024-12-16}}</ref> The New Zealand Air Ambulance Service had also ordered two A250.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft |work=Aviation International News |date=2024-12-20 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-12-19/new-zealand-air-ambulance-service-orders-beta-evtol |access-date=2025-02-10}}</ref>
BETA was granted a multipurpose special [[Airworthiness_certificate#Special_airworthiness_certificate|airworthiness certificate]] by the FAA for its first CX300 production aircraft which then performed its maiden test flight with CEO Kyle Clark at the helm.<ref name=Wietering2024/> BETA also became the first electric aircraft manufacturer to incorporate [[Garmin G3000|Garmin’s G3000 Prime]] avionics system into its aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=Beta’s Electric Airplane Debuts Garmin G3000 Prime Avionics |work=Aviation International News |date=2024-11-15 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-11-15/betas-electric-airplane-debuts-garmin-g3000-prime |access-date=2024-12-16}}</ref> In April 2025, this aircraft conducted a six-week demonstration tour of the U.S., registered as N916LF. It departed from the company’s test facility in Plattsburgh, New York, flew through snowstorms and desert heat, then returned to South Burlington, Vermont. One leg of the trip involved landing at the busy [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]] under [[instrument flight rules]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Daleo |first=Jack |title=Electric Aircraft Completes 6-Week, 22-State Cross-Country Journey |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/electric-aircraft-completes-6-week-22-state-cross-country-journey/ |work=flyingmag.com |date=2 April 2025 |access-date=6 June 2025 }}</ref> In June, N916LF made the first electric-powered passenger-carrying flight in the U.S. by taking four people from [[East Hampton, New York|East Hampton, Long Island]] to New York’s [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]].<ref name=Daleo20250603/>
In May 2025, an ALIA CX300 aircraft completed the first fully electric piloted flight in Ireland at [[Shannon Airport]]. This marked the beginning of a European demonstration tour, ending with the aircraft's delivery to [[Bristow Norway]], who then began test flights between [[Stavanger]] and [[Bergen]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Kevin |title=US company behind Ireland’s first fully electric plane flight says Shannon crucial for future operations |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/05/26/us-company-behind-irelands-first-fully-electric-plane-flight-says-shannon-crucial-for-future-operations/ |work=[[The Irish Times]] |date=26 May 2025 |access-date=6 June 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kaminski-Morrow |first=David | title=Bristow Norway starts flying Beta CX300 in Norwegian low-emission test zone |website=Flight Global |date=2025-08-08 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/bristow-norway-starts-flying-beta-cx300-in-norwegian-low-emission-test-zone/164116.article |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref> In October of that year, Air New Zealand also began test flights of a CX300 based at [[Hamilton Airport (New Zealand)|Hamilton Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Alcock |first=Charles |title=Air New Zealand Starts Flight Trials With Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft |website=Aviation International News |date=2025-10-20 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-10-20/air-new-zealand-starts-trials-betas-cx300-electric-aircraft |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref> This four-month program using 12 airports completed over {{convert|13000|km|nmi}} of cargo flights.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=Air New Zealand Completes Beta Alia CX300 Electric Flight Trials |website=Aviation International News |date=2026-02-19 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-02-18/air-new-zealand-completes-electric-flight-trials |access-date=2026-03-20}}</ref> The Norwegian testing ended in January 2026 after over 100 flights with cargo had used a charging infrastructure adapted to winter conditions there.<ref>{{cite web |title=How a U.S. Company Enabled Norway's First Electric Aircraft Trials |website=FLYING Magazine |date=2026-02-04 |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/beta-bristow-norway-electric-aircraft-trials/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |last=Daleo |first=Jack }}</ref>
Beta Technologies completed its [[initial public offering]] on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] under the ticker symbol "BETA" in November 2025, raising over $1 billion and valuing the company at around $7.4 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Subin |first=Samantha |title=Amazon-backed eVTOL company Beta Technologies closes up nearly 6% in NYSE debut |website=CNBC |date=2025-11-04 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/04/amazon-backed-evtol-beta-opens-on-new-york-stock-exchange-after-ipo.html |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
In Scotland in March 2026, [[Loganair]] and [[Royal Mail]] trialled an ALIA CX300 for postal deliveries to [[Orkney]] and other Scottish islands.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nixon |first=Finn |title=Electric plane makes rare appearance at Dundee Airport as part of Royal Mail trial |website=The Courier |date=2026-03-20 |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5455833/electric-plane-dundee-airport-royal-mail-trial/ |access-date=2026-03-20}}</ref>
== Technology == eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without the use of a runway, allowing smaller loads to be delivered directly to recipients,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://evobsession.com/ups-flight-forward-takes-innovation-sustainability-onward-upward/ |title=UPS Flight Forward Takes Innovation & Sustainability Onward & Upward |website=EVObsession |date=April 10, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021}}</ref> whereas eCTOL require conventional, runway-dependent operations. The company’s eVTOL and eCTOL (fixed wing) aircraft share many design features: both are powered by the same internally-developed electric pusher motor,<ref name=axios/> which in December 2025 BETA agreed to supply to [[Eve Air Mobility]], a Brazilian manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web |last=Subin |first=Samantha |title=Beta stock jumps 8% on $1 billion motor deal with air taxi maker Eve Air Mobility |website=CNBC |date=2025-12-02 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/02/beta-technologies-air-taxi-eve-evtol.html |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
The company uses electric motors as they are reportedly quieter and have a smaller [[carbon footprint]] with zero operational emissions compared to an equivalent gasoline engine. Electric propulsion aircraft also require less maintenance.<ref name=drive1/> The company claims they are also more efficient than combustion engines and have constant torque across all speeds, which enables control without helicopter-like complexity.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|last=Adams|first=Eric|date=January 10, 2019|title=Snow Can't Stop the Edward Scissorhands of Flying Cars|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/beta-ava-flying-car-aviation/|access-date=February 2, 2019|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The motors run from [[lithium-ion batteries]].<ref name=battery/> To allow larger payloads, especially in military eVTOL applications, BETA has partnered with [[GE Aerospace]] to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator based on the [[General_Electric_T700#T700/CT7 turboshaft|T700/CT7 turboshaft]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Head |first=Elan |title=GE Aerospace partners with Beta Technologies on hybrid-electric propulsion |website=The Air Current |date=2025-09-04 | url=https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/ge-partners-beta-technologies-hybrid-electric-propulsion/ |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
Both ALIA models use a five-bladed pusher propellor developed in a collaboration with [[Hartzell Propeller]]. This has [[Federal Aviation Regulations#Organization|FAA part 35 certification]] for use in [[advanced air mobility]] applications.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |title=FAA Certifies Hartzell's First Electric Aircraft Engine Propeller |website=Aviation International News |date=2025-07-21 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-21/faa-certifies-hartzells-first-electric-engine-propeller |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
==Products== {{Main|Beta Technologies Alia}} [[File:Beta ALIA CX300 (N916LF, cn BT31C-0001) (3-25-2025).jpg|thumb|ALIA CX300]] Beta Technologies develops electric aircraft and a network of charging stations to support them. *ALIA A250<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Aircraft |url=https://beta.team/aircraft |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=beta.team |language=en}}</ref> – The A250 is an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that uses four top-mounted lift motors and one rear pusher motor to achieve vertical capabilities as well as wing-borne flight while in cruise.<ref name=Jenkins>{{Cite web |url=https://www.protocol.com/climate/beta-charging-app-evs-planes |last=Jenkins|first=Lisa|date=September 8, 2022 |title=An electric aviation startup is building a charging network for all |website=protocol.com |access-date=September 13, 2023}}</ref> It is designed to charge in under an hour, and carry five passengers or cargo for up to {{cvt|250|NM}}, which is the basis for the model number.<ref name=evtol5>{{cite web |url=https://evtol.news/beta-technologies-alia/ |title=Beta Technologies ALIA |website=eVTOL News |date=|access-date=September 13, 2023}}</ref> The design of the {{cvt|50|ft}} wing was inspired by the [[arctic tern]], a migratory bird known for its long flights. Its engines provide separate lift and thrust, as opposed to the tilt-rotor design of AVA, with a planned maximum range of {{cvt|250|NM}} at a weight of {{cvt|6000|lbs}} and a cruise speed of {{cvt|170|mph}}.<ref name=sevendays/><ref name=evtol5/> In April 2024, this design achieved a switch from vertical to normal flight.<ref name=23Apr2024/> *ALIA CX300<ref name=":0" /> – The CX300 is an all-electric conventional take-off and landing aircraft that is designed to charge in under an hour, and can be used in passenger, cargo, medical, or military configurations. The aircraft is powered by one rear-mounted pusher motor and its lift is created by the same {{cvt|50|ft}} wing.<ref name=axios/> A CX300 participated in the 2025 [[Paris Air Show]], becoming the first electric aircraft to fly in that show’s history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beta Electric Aircraft Soars in Paris—And Finds a New Customer |website=Flying Magazine |date=2025-06-16 |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/beta-electric-aircraft-soars-in-paris-and-finds-a-new-customer/ |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref> In a revival of the [[Pulitzer Trophy Races]] in October 2025, a CX300 claimed a world record in its weight and propulsion category, for speed over a {{convert|15|km|mi}} course.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[ Springfield News-Sun]] |last=Mujahid |first=Ismael David |date=2025-10-15 |title=Innovation takes flight during Pulitzer race |page=A4 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It beat six other teams in a separate race over a {{convert|44|mi|km}} triangular course, with an average speed of just under {{convert|133|knot|mph}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Alcock |first=Charles |title=AAM Institute to Honor Pulitzer Electric Air Race Winners |website=Aviation International News |date=2025-10-20 | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-20/aam-institute-honor-pulitzer-electric-air-race-winners |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
*Charging infrastructure – Beta developed a line of purpose-built chargers to support the deployment of electric aircraft. By January 2025, the company had opened 46 sites, with 23 others in development.<ref>{{Cite news |last= Daleo |first=Jack |title=Beta Technologies Doubles Electric Aircraft Charging Network in 2024 |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/beta-technologies-doubles-electric-aircraft-charging-network-in-2024/ |date=7 January 2025 |access-date=10 February 2025 |website=flyingmag.com}}</ref> All Beta chargers can work with ground based electric vehicles in addition to electric aircraft.<ref name=charging/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalsky.media/advanced-air-mobility/beta-installs-electric-aircraft-charging-station-at-augusta-regional-airport-384/|last=Mirwani|first=Ben|date=March 27, 2023|title=BETA Installs Electric Aircraft Charging Station at Augusta Regional Airport |website=Global Sky Media |access-date=September 13, 2023}}</ref> The company also develops elevated landing pads that, when coupled with chargers, provide an off-airport landing option.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/urban-unmanned-aviation/beta-underpins-aam-nationwide-charging-network |date=November 29, 2021 |title=Beta Underpins AAM With Nationwide Charging Network |work=Aviation Week |access-date=September 13, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Adams|first=Eric|date=March 20, 2020|title=A rest stop where flying cars can recharge |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/rest-stop-flying-cars-recharge/ |access-date=September 13, 2023|issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
== See also == * [[Electric aircraft]] * [[VTOL]]
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
== External links == * [https://www.beta.team/ Official website] * {{YouTube|7HKD5WsTqOQ|Secrets of the Amazing New Beta Technologies Electric VTOL Prototype Airplane (2020) }} * [https://www.today.com/video/battery-powered-planes-get-an-inside-look-at-the-future-of-flying-226748997683 TV news item on BETA, December 2024] at [[Today (American TV program)|Today.com]] * {{YouTube|arjoT724Qzk|N916LF makes the first electric-powered passenger-carrying flight into JFK}}
[[Category:2017 establishments in Vermont]] [[Category:2025 initial public offerings]] [[Category:Aircraft manufacturers of the United States]] [[Category:Companies based in Vermont]] [[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]] [[Category:Electric aircraft]]