BETA tested the production version of the ALIA CTOL electric aircraft (video)

The BETA Technologies company successfully conducted the first flight of the serial electric ALIA CTOL aircraft, laying the foundation for the commercial operation of this aircraft by 2025.

BETA Technologies, based in Vermont (USA), is engaged in the development of fully electric aircraft, as well as related infrastructure systems. The company began its activities with the presentation of the ALIA VTOL model (vertical take-off and landing electric aircraft), which in April of last year successfully passed tests, demonstrating the ability to horizontal flight. In parallel with this project, the development of the ALIA CTOL — an aircraft with traditional take-off and landing, focused on efficiency in the transportation of cargo and passengers.

ALIA CTOL has already covered tens of thousands of test kilometers and received an airworthiness certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certificate allows the aircraft to be used for test flights, research activities, pilot training and market research. The first serial sample of the aircraft was assembled at the company's plant in South Burlington, after which it successfully passed tests for compliance with safety standards.

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The first test flight of the serial ALIA CTOL took place on November 13, 2024. The flight was performed by the company's founder and CEO, Kyle Clark, who is also an experienced test pilot. The plane climbed to a height of 2133 m and demonstrated stability, controllability and aerodynamic properties for almost an hour, completing the test with a smooth landing. The flight marked the beginning of an extensive test program that includes the 50 flight hours required to obtain an advanced FAA certificate that will allow marketing flights and pilot training.

The development of the ALIA CTOL is part of the large-scale strategy of BETA Technologies, which involves the creation of electroplanes of various configurations for environmentally safe aviation The company is also working on scaling up ALIA VTOL production — a vertical take-off model capable of performing flights in limited areas and intended for urban scenarios.

BETA's plans include preparing for ALIA CTOL commercial operation certification by 2025, which will allow for regular cargo and passenger transport. Given the progress in testing and production, the company is at the forefront of electric aircraft development and can play a key role in the decarbonization of aviation.