In a groundbreaking development for sustainable aviation, Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 has become the first all-electric aircraft to carry passengers over a distance, completing a 130-kilometre flight in the United States for the equivalent of just ₵85 ( $8 or ₹694). This historic journey has sparked global interest, including in Ghana, where conversations around cleaner and more efficient transportation continue to gain momentum.
The 30-minute flight, which travelled from East Hampton to New York’s JFK Airport, carried four passengers and marked a first for both the New York Port Authority and the broader electric aviation industry. For comparison, a similar trip via a traditional helicopter would typically cost more than ₵1,650 ($160) in fuel alone, showing just how cost-effective electric aviation could be.
Beta Technologies’ CEO, Kyle Clark, described the flight as both efficient and affordable. “Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8,” he said. “Of course, you have to pay for the pilot and the airplane, but fundamentally, it’s way less expensive.” His statement hints at a future where short-distance air travel is accessible to more people, not just the elite.
Aside from its affordability, the Alia CX300 also shines in the areas of noise reduction and environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional aircraft, the electric plane runs without fuel combustion, making for a nearly silent flight. Passengers were reportedly able to hold regular conversations during the flight without the need to shout over loud engines. This feature makes it ideal for short-haul business trips and commuter travel.
The Vermont-based Beta Technologies has been working on electric aviation since 2017. Recently, it raised $318 million in funding to help ramp up production, secure certifications, and bring these aircraft to commercial use. The Alia CX300 is expected to receive FAA certification by the end of 2025, a major milestone that will pave the way for wider adoption.
Capable of flying up to 463 kilometres (250 nautical miles) on a single charge, the CX300 is positioned as a viable alternative for short regional routes, like Accra to Kumasi or even Accra to Takoradi. These are routes that currently take hours by road due to traffic and poor road conditions, but could be completed in less than an hour by air.
Beta is also developing another version called the Alia 250 eVTOL, which stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This version is being designed specifically for cities, where runway space is limited. It would allow for flights that take off and land like helicopters but run silently and cleanly like electric cars.
With zero emissions, dramatically lower running costs, and reduced noise pollution, electric aircraft like the Alia CX300 have the potential to revolutionise regional travel across the continent, just as electric vehicles are doing on the roads.
