BETA Technologies Completes First Passenger Flight of All-Electric Aircraft at JFK

BETA Technologies Completes First Passenger Flight of All-Electric Aircraft at JFK

Historic Electric Flight at JFK Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with aerospace company BETA Technologies, announced a landmark achievement with the arrival of BETA’s ALIA all-electric conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This marks the first time an all-electric aircraft has landed at one of the Port Authority’s three major airports in the New York-New Jersey region. The historic flight lasted 45 minutes and carried a pilot alongside four passengers, including Matt Koscal, president of Republic Airways, and Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade Air Mobility. This milestone follows six years of intensive testing and development by BETA and underscores the Port Authority’s ongoing commitment to advancing safety and innovation through next-generation transportation solutions.

The demonstration flight was initiated in response to a 2023 request for innovation (RFI) issued by the Port Authority, which sought proposals from companies to showcase next-generation aircraft at its airports. This initiative aligns with the agency’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By collaborating with both public and private partners, the Port Authority aims to test clean-energy technologies that can enhance regional mobility, reduce environmental impact, lower operational costs, and expand access to air travel across the metropolitan area.

Embracing Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole emphasized the agency’s role as a proving ground for emerging transportation technologies, highlighting the significance of the all-electric aircraft flight as a step toward integrating innovation into existing infrastructure. He noted the potential benefits of such technologies in easing regional travel while simultaneously reducing emissions and noise pollution. O’Toole expressed pride in the Port Authority’s efforts to foster a more efficient and environmentally sustainable future for aviation.

Echoing this sentiment, Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton framed the milestone flight as a critical component of the agency’s aggressive sustainability agenda. Cotton reiterated the Port Authority’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across all operations by 2050 and identified the advancement of electric-powered aircraft as a key strategy in this pursuit. He underscored the agency’s responsibility, as one of the nation’s largest transportation entities, to explore and implement technologies that reduce environmental impact while enhancing air travel capabilities.

Strengthening New York’s Competitive Edge

Hope Knight, CEO, president, and commissioner of Empire State Development, highlighted the flight as a testament to the impact of strategic public investments in fostering private sector innovation and environmental sustainability. She referenced a multi-million dollar grant awarded to BETA Technologies to expand its facility at Plattsburgh International Airport, which supports the company’s growth and technological advancements. Knight credited Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership for positioning New York State as a global competitor across diverse industries, including aerospace and agribusiness, through productive partnerships with innovators like BETA. These collaborations, she noted, are instrumental in creating high-quality jobs and driving economic opportunity in sectors poised to shape the future economy.

Additionally, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing urban air mobility. By upgrading and electrifying city-owned infrastructure, NYCEDC aims to facilitate quieter, cleaner, and safer skies, ensuring that New York City remains at the forefront of innovation in advanced air mobility.