Beta Technologies preps Alia electric aircraft for FAA certification

Beta Technologies is developing two variants of its Alia electric aircraft: the conventional-takeoff CX300 and the vertical-takeoff A250. The company has flown over 300,000 km, holds a backlog of 991 orders and options, and expects FAA certification for the CX300 in 2027 and the A250 a year later.

• A half-hour Alia flight uses about $9 of electricity versus $210–255 of fuel for a Cessna 208
• Beta's order and option-to-buy backlog stands at 991 aircraft
• FAA certification is expected in 2027 for the CX300 and 2028 for the A250
• Beta's Burlington production facility covers 17,500 square meters