US electric plane completes first passenger flight

The flight covered 70 nautical miles, traveling from East Hampton to JFK with four passengers on board. Piloted by Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, the e-plane made the trip in just over 30 minutes, as reported by Fox News.

While the flight represents a noteworthy development, its implications extend beyond the event itself. Electric aircraft like the ALIA operate more quietly than traditional planes, which may help reduce noise near airports. They also offer the potential for lower operating costs.

As Clark shared, "Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8 in fuel. Of course, you have to pay for the pilot and the airplane, but, fundamentally, it's way less expensive."

Electric passenger planes have previously flown in the U.S., but this flight marked the first time an electric aircraft operated under normal air traffic control.

This follows U.S. regulators’ certification of air taxis and electric aircraft in October, according to news site Semafor.

Electric air mobility is also gradually being adopted elsewhere, including in China.

EHang Holdings, a leading drone manufacturer, is conducting trial flights of its eVTOL aircraft in Guangzhou and Hefei.

The company plans to begin service in designated areas by the end of the year, with flying taxis anticipated to be integrated into public transport in China within the next five years, according to the South China Morning Post.

 

 

US electric plane completes first passenger flight

US electric plane completes first passenger flight to New York airport