Vermont-based advanced air mobility developer BETA Technologies has successfully completed its first passenger-carrying all-electric aircraft demonstration flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The historic flight follows six years of testing and development by BETA, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced in a statement on June 3, 2025.
The flight was performed using BETA’s ALIA conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft. The journey to JFK airport lasted 45 minutes and included a pilot and four people, including Matt Koscal, President of Republic Airways, and Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade Air Mobility.
“We’re excited about the potential for innovations like all-electric aircraft to ease regional travel while reducing emissions and noise pollution,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We’re proud to embrace innovation and help lay the groundwork for a more efficient and environmentally friendly future of flight.”
In a LinkedIn post announcing the flight, BETA Technologies said that it “takes innovation and vision to be the first to lean into something new”.
“Flying our electric aircraft into one of the world’s busiest airports, with passengers, proves advanced air mobility is not some future concept, it’s here,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA Technologies.
Aircraft designed for organ transport
BETA Technologies’ ALIA is one of a new generation of aircraft that the industry refers to as advanced air mobility (AAM), which is typically electric and can take off and land vertically or in short distances.
AAM technology is designed to move people and goods more efficiently within and between urban areas. Compared to conventional aircraft, this aircraft operates at a lower cost and has the potential to reduce noise pollution, ease congestion, improve air quality and connect communities.
BETA’s ALIA aircraft was named after the daughter of initial customer United Therapeutics’ CEO Martine Rothblatt, who suffered from pulmonary hypertension. It was initially developed to carry out organ transport missions.
To date, it is the only AAM aircraft that has received a market survey certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification enables the company to perform demonstration flights before achieving full FAA certification.
In addition to the ALIA CTOL, BETA is also developing and certifying an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called ALIA VTOL. This series of aircraft is built for utility and efficiency and is capable of carrying a pilot along with five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo.
