Is the Electric Air Taxi Era Finally Taking Off? First Electric Plane Flies 130 km for just Rs 700
First Published: 25th June, 2025 16:26 IST
Electric Air Taxi: Aside from its affordability, the electric aircraft delivered an almost silent flying experience.
In a breakthrough for sustainable aviation, Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 has made history as the first all-electric aircraft to fly passengers on a 130-kilometre route in the US—for a mere Rs 694 ($8), according to Fox News.
The 30-minute flight, which ferried four passengers from East Hampton to New York’s JFK Airport, marked a significant first for both the New York Port Authority and the electric aviation industry. In stark contrast, the same journey via helicopter would typically cost upwards of Rs 13,000 ($160) in fuel alone.
“Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies. “Of course, you have to pay for the pilot and the airplane, but fundamentally, it’s way less expensive.”
Quiet, Clean and Game-Changing
Aside from its affordability, the electric aircraft delivered an almost silent flying experience. With no engine roar or fuel combustion, passengers could speak comfortably during the flight—an innovation that could transform short-haul business and commuter aviation.
Headquartered in Vermont, Beta Technologies has been developing electric aircraft since 2017. The company recently raised $318 million to fast-track production, certification, and commercial deployment. The CX300, built for conventional takeoff and landing, is expected to receive FAA certification by the end of the year. It offers a range of up to 250 nautical miles (around 463 km) on a single charge, ideal for regional routes.
While the CX300 leads conventional electric aircraft development, Beta is also working on the Alia 250 eVTOL—an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft geared towards urban mobility.
With competitors like Archer Aviation preparing to launch air taxi networks ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the electric aviation race is heating up. As global cities seek cleaner, faster transport options, electric aircraft—with their low noise, zero emissions, and reduced operating costs—are poised to revolutionise urban mobility, much like EVs have transformed road travel.
Also Read: “All systems looking good”: SpaceX ahead of Axiom Mission 4 to ISS
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Space Menu Goes Desi: Gajar Ka Halwa Wins Over International Astronauts
The sweet surprise, specially developed for space consumption by ISRO and DRDO, was the centrepiece of a lively gathering aboard Axiom Mission 4.
11th July 2025
“Show Me One Photo of Collateral Damage in OP Sindoor, Operation precise to the point,” NSA, Ajit Doval Dares Foreign Media
National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval on Friday dismissed foreign media reports of collateral damage in India during Operation Sindoor. Hailing Operation Sindoor as a proud moment for India, Doval challenged critics to produce even a single image of destruction of Indian property. Speaking at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, Doval said “Show me even […]
11th July 2025
From Moradabad to Apple HQ: Meet Sabih Khan, the New COO of the iPhone Giant
At Apple, he steadily climbed the ranks and most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Operations.
11th July 2025
Axiom-4 crew, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, scheduled to undock from ISS on July 14
Axiom Mission 4 was launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A
11th July 2025
Trump announces 35 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada
Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if Canada decides to increase their tariffs on importing American products.
11th July 2025