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Air travel will get super cheap. A 35-minute flight just proved that
Air travel will get super cheap. A 35-minute flight just proved that

India Today

time26-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • India Today

Air travel will get super cheap. A 35-minute flight just proved that

When the supersonic Concorde in 1976 made its first commercial flight, breaking the sound barrier, it marked a watershed moment in aviation history. Earlier this month, civil aviation took another giant leap, perhaps the most significant since. As Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 electric aircraft touched down at New York's JFK Airport with four passengers, it marked a game-changing moment for electric flights, which is the future. The future isn't coming, it just 130-km flight from the Long Island's East Hampton to New York, completed in just 35 minutes and costing passengers only $8 (less than Rs 700), not only ushered in clean and comfortable flying but also marked the beginning of a new era of affordable air India, urban-centric electric air taxis, unlike the Alia CX300, which requires runways, are prepping for take-off, with trials set to begin by FLIGHT IS USHERING IN A COST REVOLUTION The maiden passenger flight of the Alia CX300 aircraft from East Hampton to JFK Airport showcased unprecedented cost road, the 130-km journey typically takes over 2 hours by car, during peak traffic, costing around $30-$40 in fuel and tolls for a standard vehicle. Train travel, via the Long Island Rail Road, takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from East Hampton to Penn Station, with fares ranging from $20-$30 contrast, the Alia CX300 covered the distance in 35 minutes at a cruising speed of approximately 222 kmph (120 knots), for just $8 (Rs 688) in electricity was significantly cheaper than a modern fossil-fuel-powered aircraft, which could cost $150-$200 in fuel for a similar short-haul flight, as they are propelled by expensive jet fuel. The electric aircraft's low operational costs make it a game-changer for short-distance options for the 130-km East Hampton–New York City route reveal how electric aviation outpaces road, rail, and contemporary air travel in both cost and of TransportTravel TimeCost (One-Way)Fuel TypeBy Car2 hours$30–$40Petrol/Diesel/ElectricityBy Train (LIRR)2 hours 45 min$20–$30Electricity/DieselConventional Aircraft30minutes$150–$200Jet FuelAlia CX300 (Electric Aircraft)35 minutes$8 (Rs 688)ElectricityElectric flights are ideal for short-haul routes, as they offer low costs and efficiency where conventional flights are often seen as impractical due to high fuel and operational expenses. With the improvement of battery technology and range, the potential for electric aviation is FIRST ELECTRIC FLIGHT LANDED IN NEW YORK'S JFKOn June 3, Beta Technologies' Alia CX300, piloted by CEO Kyle Clark, made history by landing at JFK Airport after a 35-minute flight. The flight carried four passengers, including Republic Airways President Matt Koscal and Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal, reported the US-based FLYING aircraft are easier on the earth too, producing little to no carbon emissions compared to conventional jets."This is a 100% electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area," Clark told Fox quiet operation, unlike in contemporary passenger jets, allowed passengers to converse easily inside the cabin. And the regional turboprops are extravagant in decibels. The Alia electric aircraft in its maiden passenger flight flew 130 km in 35 minutes to reach its destination, New York's JKF International. (Image: Beta Technologies) ABOUT THE WORLD'S FIRST ELECTRIC AIRCRAFTThe Alia CX300, which marked the maiden flight, takes-off and lands conventionally, and is designed for short-haul passenger, cargo, and medical a range of 460 km (250 nautical miles) on a full charge, it cruises at a maximum speed of 222 to contemporary fossil-fuel-powered aircraft used on small routes, which have a similar range and burn $100-$150 in fuel per hour, the CX300's $8 per flight energy cost is aircraft works like a super-quiet electric car with wings. Its five electric motors power propellers (like turboprops, but smaller), fixed wings, and landing gears let it operate like a regular near-silent operation enhances passenger comfort, and eliminates the need for headsets. The zero-emission profile aligns with environmental goals electric aircraft (in trail or development stages) for similar short-haul sectors, though varying in vertical take-off capability, propulsion-type, range, or speed, offer comparable cost efficiency and environmental manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota have also made limited strides toward electric aviation, which are now focusing more on developing components and FUTURE OF ELECTRIC AVIATIONBeta Technologies, whose aircraft achieved the feat, has plans to achieve full FAA certification for the Alia CX300 by also building a network of 46 charging stations across the US, with 50 more in the pipeline, to support its aircraft, reported FLYING Magazine in Beta has secured orders from Air New Zealand, UPS, and Bristow for both its regular runway-base and the 'electric vertical take-off and landing' (eVTOLs) models. The Alia CX300 belongs to the former from Beta, several electric aircraft manufacturers like Joby Aviation in the US and Elfly Group in Norway are advancing innovative projects, with significant investments and infrastructure development. This is poised to scale up the viability of electric aviation's future hinges on scaling infrastructure and improving battery range, but regulatory support and international consensus remain a tricky proposition for now. Anyway, domestically, urban air mobility is set to transform short-haul travel, within a decade at most, was underlined by Rick Cotton, the executive director of New York's Port Authority. A BETA electric aircraft being recharged through its portable 'Charge Cube', with a highpower connector plug. (Image: Beta Technologies) INDIA TO LAUNCH INDIGENOUS AIR TAXI BY 2026India is advancing toward urban air mobility, with the government planning trials of an indigenous air taxi service by Centre is set to introduce an indigenously developed air taxi service, with trial runs expected to begin by 2026, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu revealed at an event in said, "eVTOLs are set to transform urban mobility in India, and we are working tirelessly to make this a reality by next year. With the DGCA already issuing guidelines on vertiports, airworthiness, and air taxi licensing, India is moving fast towards a future of advanced air mobility". A joint InterGlobe-Archer venture plans to launch 200 electric air taxis in India by 2026, starting operations in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. (Image: Reuters) Meanwhile, US-based Archer Aviation, backed by Stellantis and Boeing, is also working with India's aviation watchdog DGCA to secure regulatory approvals ahead of its own trial flights next year, reported news agency eVTOLs/air taxis are meant for short urban hops with vertical take-off and landing, runway-based electric aircraft like the Alia CX300 have the liberty to cater to slightly longer regional years ago, the wings of the Concorde were, unfortunately, clipped too soon, but not before proving that a supersonic passenger flight was possible. It ignited human imagination and laid the foundation for future innovations. Now, with the electric flight taking-off, there's hope it becomes aviation's own Apollo moment, and its wings soar.- EndsMust Watch

Cheapest Flight! First electric passenger plane completes 130 km journey, carried… passengers, ticket cost Rs…
Cheapest Flight! First electric passenger plane completes 130 km journey, carried… passengers, ticket cost Rs…

India.com

time24-06-2025

  • Business
  • India.com

Cheapest Flight! First electric passenger plane completes 130 km journey, carried… passengers, ticket cost Rs…

Cheapest Flight! First electric passenger plane completes 130 km journey, carried… passengers, ticket cost Rs… First Electric Passenger Plane: In a major milestone in the aviation industry, first all-electric passenger plane successfully completed a flight in the United States. Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 has emerged as the first electric aircraft to complete the flight with passengers. According to a report by Fox News, the passenger plane travelled from East Hampton to John F Kennedy Airport with four passengers. all-electric Alia CX300 took off the flight without burning any fuel and covered a distance of around 70 nautical miles (130 kilometres) in just over 30 minutes. Surprisingly, the cost of the flight was USD8 (Rs 694). Cheapest Flight Just to show a drastic contrast between prices, a helicopter ride can cost over USD60 or Rs 13,000 in fuel to complete the same distance Alia CX300 did. According to the founder and CEO of Beta Technologies Kyle Clark said that there is no fuel cost involved in the flight, however, other charges such as pilot's salary and other aeroplane expenses. 'This is a 100% electric aeroplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area. We covered 70 odd nautical miles in 35 minutes.' '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 aeroplane, but, fundamentally, it's way less expensive,' he added. Bye-Bye Noisy Engines And Propellers During the flight, passengers were able to talk to each other as there was no noise from engines and propellers. This can make electric air travel popular among the flyers, the company said. Beta Technologies Beta Technologies was established in 2017 and is office is located in Vermont. The company recently raised USD 318 million in funding for production and commercialisation of the electric plane. It is noteworthy that, the CX300 is on its way to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification by the end this year. The CX300 electric aircraft can fly up to 463 km on a single charge, making it perfect for short flights between cities, eliminating the traffic snarls. This development is crucial as several transportation companies are looking for electric aircraft which is capable of doing round trips between cities, specially that can take off and land vertically. The main aim of developing this aircraft is to eliminate long traffic lines and to reduce emissions, saving both time of the passengers while saving reducing carbon footprints.

Meet Alia CX300, world's first electric plane that flew with passengers for first time, travelled 130 kms in just Rs..., can fly up to...
Meet Alia CX300, world's first electric plane that flew with passengers for first time, travelled 130 kms in just Rs..., can fly up to...

India.com

time24-06-2025

  • Business
  • India.com

Meet Alia CX300, world's first electric plane that flew with passengers for first time, travelled 130 kms in just Rs..., can fly up to...

In a major breakthrough for air travel, a fully electric aircraft called the Alia CX300 has flown with passengers for the very first time. The flight was carried out by Beta Technologies, a company based in Vermont, USA. According to Fox News, the plane flew from East Hampton to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport earlier this month. It had four people on board and covered a distance of about 130 kilometres in just over 30 minutes. What's even more impressive is the cost, the flight used only around Rs. 694 (USD 8) worth of electricity. In comparison, a helicopter doing the same trip would spend over Rs. 13,000 (USD 160) just on fuel. 'This is a 100 per cent electric airplane,' said Kyle Clark, the CEO and founder of Beta Technologies. 'It flew passengers from East Hampton to JFK. It was a first for New York's Port Authority, and we did it in about 35 minutes.' He added, 'Charging the plane and flying here cost only USD 8. Of course, we still have to pay for the pilot and the aircraft, but overall, it's much cheaper.' Another plus: the flight was quiet. Without loud engines or propellers, passengers could actually talk to each other during the ride, something that's not possible on most traditional aircraft. Beta Technologies, founded in 2017, recently raised over Rs. 2,600 crore (USD 318 million) to help build, test, and launch its electric aircraft. The CX300 is expected to get final approval from U.S. aviation authorities (FAA) by the end of this year. On a full charge, the plane can fly up to 463 kilometres, making it perfect for short trips between cities. Many transportation companies are already exploring such electric aircraft, especially those that can take off and land vertically, to help avoid traffic and cut down on pollution.

130 km in 30 minutes for just Rs 700: First electric passenger plane lands in US
130 km in 30 minutes for just Rs 700: First electric passenger plane lands in US

Indian Express

time23-06-2025

  • Business
  • Indian Express

130 km in 30 minutes for just Rs 700: First electric passenger plane lands in US

A passenger-carrying electric aircraft has completed its first successful flight to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, marking a significant step towards sustainable air travel. The flight, operated by Beta Technologies, flew from East Hampton to JFK earlier this month, covering about 70 nautical miles (130 km) in just over 30 minutes, according to Fox News. Kyle Clark, founder and chief executive of Beta Technologies, was at the controls during the flight. He told Fox News, 'This is a 100% electric aeroplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area. We covered 70 odd nautical miles in 35 minutes.' Clark also pointed out how affordable the flight was. Charging the aircraft and making the journey cost just around $8 (about ₹700), far cheaper than a helicopter, which would have cost about $160 (₹13,885) in fuel for the same distance. 🇺🇸HISTORIC ALL-ELECTRIC FLIGHT LANDS AT JFK An all-electric aircraft made a landmark landing at JFK Airport on Tuesday, marking the first such arrival at the New York hub. Vermont-based Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 took off from Suffolk County for a 45-minute flight. CEO… — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 4, 2025 Passengers on board were able to talk easily during the flight, thanks to the quieter electric motors compared to conventional aircraft engines. Beta Technologies, based in Vermont and founded in 2017, has been developing electric aircraft for both conventional takeoff and landing and vertical takeoff and landing. The company recently raised $318 million to support production, certification and commercial operations. The CX300, the aircraft that flew to JFK, can travel up to 250 nautical miles on a single charge. The company hopes to secure certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by the end of the year. Clark explained that electric planes could offer a cleaner, quieter, and cheaper way to travel for short journeys between cities or suburbs. The lower operating cost and reduced noise could make them popular with commuters and those living near airports. Transport companies are also looking at using electric aircraft for city flights that can take off and land vertically, helping reduce road traffic and emissions. The FAA has already put rules in place for pilot training and certification for these air taxis.

Electric plane makes history flying 130 km over New York with passengers
Electric plane makes history flying 130 km over New York with passengers

Business Standard

time23-06-2025

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Electric plane makes history flying 130 km over New York with passengers

Beta Technologies' fully electric aircraft, the Alia CX300, has made aviation history as the first of its kind to carry paying passengers. Earlier this month, the sleek white plane took off from East Hampton and landed at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport, completing a 70-nautical-mile (approximately 130-kilometre) journey in just over 30 minutes. The flight cost only about ₹694 ($8) in electricity — significantly lower than the roughly ₹13,885 ($160) a helicopter would spend on fuel for the same route. Because the CX300's motors run almost silently, the four passengers could converse easily throughout the journey, free from the roar of turbine engines, Fox News reported. 'This is a 100 per cent electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area. We covered 70-odd nautical miles in 35 minutes,' said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO, Beta Technologies. '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,' Clark said, as quoted by Fox News. FAA certification on the horizon Founded in Vermont in 2017, Beta Technologies recently secured $318 million in fresh funding to accelerate production and certification of its electric fleet. The company is working on two models: the conventional-takeoff CX300 and the Alia 250 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing). It hopes to earn Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the CX300 by year-end. With a single-charge range of up to 250 nautical miles, Beta believes its aircraft can transform short-haul travel between cities and suburbs. Beta is not alone in chasing the electric air-taxi market. In May, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organisers named Archer Aviation as their official air-taxi partner, promising spectators a stylish escape from LA's infamous road traffic. Archer also awaits FAA approval but aims to launch its LA network as early as 2026. As certification milestones draw nearer, electric aircraft such as Beta's CX300 are positioning themselves to reshape commuter aviation — with quieter cabins, lower operating costs, and zero in-flight emissions.

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