FAA clears Beta Technologies to fly prospective customers in its A250 electric aircraft

The FAA issued BETA Technologies a Special Airworthiness Certificate for market surveys covering its ALIA A250 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Transportation Department and BETA announced on Oct 21 [1][2]. It is the first such authorization for an electric VTOL aircraft, and it lets BETA fly operators and other prospective customers in the A250 across a wider area than before [1][2]. The certificate does not permit commercial or revenue flights, and BETA is still working toward full FAA type certification [2][3]. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the certificate at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas on Oct 21 [3].

• The A250 made its first flight under the certificate on Oct 20, covering 34 nautical miles from Plattsburgh, New York, to Burlington, Vermont, in 20 minutes [2].
• The aircraft is designed to carry up to five passengers and more than 1,200 pounds of cargo [2].
• BETA's VTOL and conventional takeoff and landing aircraft have flown more than 250,000 nautical miles combined [2].

BETA received the authorization ahead of listed eVTOL makers Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation [4]. The Daily Wire reported that Joby is in the final stage of FAA type certification and that Archer plans passenger flights in Florida, New York and Texas through the federal eVTOL pilot program [5]. BETA reports third-quarter 2026 results before the market opens on Nov 3 [6].