What Happened
Electric VTOL Developer Cleared to Fly Customers and Partners
BETA Technologies has been granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling it to fly customers and partners on its ALIA VTOL A250 aircraft. The ALIA VTOL A250 is a vertical take-off and landing version of the ALIA CX300 conventional take-off and landing aircraft, both of which are powered electrically and share a common architecture. This authorization marks the first time the FAA has allowed an eVTOL developer to perform hands-on demonstrations for prospective customers and stakeholders. BETA Technologies announced the issuance of the authorization on October 20, 2026, and has already performed its first flight under the new regulatory status. This development was first reported by AeroTime.