Beta Technologies

Beta Technologies develops electric aircraft for urban air mobility (UAM). Its Alia-250 eVTOL, designed for air taxi services, can carry five passengers with a range of 250 miles at 170 mph on a single charge. Alongside the Alia-250, Beta was working on the CX-300, a conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) version of its Alia-250 eVTOL. Sharing systems like batteries and propulsion, the CX-300 is designed to streamline Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, as it could comply with the current FAA regulations for airplanes. Military certification for the CX-300 was achieved in May 2023, and Beta had plans for a commercial rollout by 2025. Data from the CX-300's certification would also support the Alia's FAA approval.

In September 2024, Beta revealed a passenger version of the Alia, certified for instrument flight rules (IFR) and Flight into Known Icing (FIKI) operations, complementing earlier cargo and medical variants. The company also expands UAM infrastructure through its Charge Cube system, which powers electric aircraft and ground EVs. As of December 2024, BETA Technologies has operationalized eleven charging stations, with an additional 65 sites currently under construction or in the permitting phase. The company is on track to establish a total of 150 charging locations by 2025, further enhancing its network for sustainable electric transportation.

Key customers and partnerships

Beta Technologies has formed a number of key partnerships with suppliers and customers to advance its electric aviation technology. In 2017, Beta collaborated with United Therapeutics to develop its first eVTOL aircraft, the AVA-XC. The company also partnered with CAE in 2021 to create a pilot and maintenance technician training program for its ALIA eVTOL aircraft. In 2022, Beta joined forces with the US Army to develop eVTOL aircraft for defense purposes, marking a significant milestone as the first eVTOL developer to partner with two branches of the US military. Additionally, Beta’s customer base includes major companies such as UPS, Blade, and United Therapeutics. In October 2023, Solvay was appointed as primary composite material supplier for Beta’s aircraft.

Beta Technologies has also focused on eVTOL infrastructure development, partnering with organizations to install charging and support systems for electric aircraft. In October 2023, Beta worked with CV Tech to explore electric aviation technology and infrastructure. By March 2024, the company had teamed up with Gainesville Regional Airport and Signature Aviation to establish electric aviation charging capabilities, enhancing the infrastructure needed for future eVTOL operations. 

In 2022, Beta Technologies collaborated with Air New Zealand in the Mission NextGen program, targeting the introduction of next-generation electric aircraft by 2026. This program integrates Beta’s eVTOL technology into New Zealand’s vision for sustainable air travel. Beta is also working with the US Department of Health and Human Services to test its aircraft’s capabilities in enhancing organ transport logistics, demonstrating the versatility of its technology in crucial public service applications.