The future is here: Check out this electric-powered aircraft that “will be transformative for society”
After completing a historic flight earlier this month, a U.S. aviation firm says we have witnessed the dawn of “a new form of air transportation”.
A new, electrically-powered form of aircraft stands to have a “transformative effect on society”, says the CEO of an American aviation company who this week completed a historic flight.
Ground-breaking all-electric passenger flight
BETA Technologies, a Vermont-based firm founded in 2017, on Tuesday carried out the first ever passenger flight involving an all-electric plane in the United States.
In a statement, BETA Technologies said its ALIA aircraft - which took off at New York’s East Hampton Airport - had flown for 45 minutes before landing at the city’s JFK International Airport.
The airplane carried four people, including BETA’s founder and CEO Kyle Clark, who piloted the flight.
What is the ALIA aircraft?
A noiseless, fixed-wing craft that can carry up to five passengers and uses a five-blade rear propeller, the ALIA is currently only certified as a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) airplane.
However, BETA says it is also in the process of developing and certifying a version of the ALIA that is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
Moving people “within and between urban areas”
“The BETA Technologies aircraft is one of a new generation of aircraft that the industry refers to as advanced air mobility (AAM), often electric and capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing,” the company said in its statement.
“AAM technology is designed to move people and goods more efficiently within and between urban areas.
“With its lower cost of operation when compared to traditional aircraft, AAM technology has the potential to reduce noise pollution, ease congestion, improve air quality and connect communities.”
“Advanced air mobility is not some future concept”
Speaking at a press conference after this week’s groundbreaking journey, Clark said: “Flying our electric aircraft into one of the world’s busiest airports, with passengers, proves advanced air mobility is not some future concept, it’s here.”
He continued: “After years of rigorous safety testing in all types of environments, we’re proud to stand here with the Port Authority and the city of New York to demonstrate exactly how this aircraft can serve cities by easing congestion, reducing emissions, and increasing accessibility.”
In an interview with the New York Post, Clark added: “I would never compare ourselves to the Wright brothers, but creating a new form of air transportation will be transformative for society.”
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