Air Taxis Are Coming: Beta’s Electric Plane Makes U.S. History

In a historic first for U.S. aviation, Beta Technologies’ fully electric aircraft, ALIA, successfully landed at New York’s JFK Airport on June 3, 2025.

The 45-minute flight carried one pilot and four passengers, without using a drop of fuel. Built by Vermont-based Beta Technologies, ALIA runs entirely on battery power and can fly up to 250 nautical miles per charge, offering a zero-emission alternative for short-distance urban air travel.

The milestone comes as electric aviation gains traction, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalizing training and certification rules for air taxi pilots in October 2023.

The new regulations pave the way for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to enter commercial service in the near future.

Founded in 2017, Beta Technologies has raised over $1 billion to develop and certify its electric aircraft.

As cities seek faster, cleaner alternatives to road traffic, electric aircraft like ALIA could soon become a key part of daily commutes, quietly transforming how we move.