Beta Technologies completed the first test flights in the U.S. government's electric vertical takeoff and landing pilot program on Friday. The Amazon-backed aerospace company transported manufactured organs from United Therapeutics between airports in Maryland and Virginia, totaling approximately 253 nautical miles. The flights were part of President Donald Trump's eVTOL pilot program, launched through an executive order last year and spearheaded by the Department of Transportation and the FAA. The program aims to accelerate the development of flying taxis as the industry races to secure Federal Aviation Administration certification, with timelines repeatedly pushed back as certification proves harder to achieve than initially anticipated.
Beta Technologies Completes 253-Nautical-Mile Medical Transport Flights
The test flights transported manufactured organs from United Therapeutics between airports in Maryland and Virginia. Beta CEO Kyle Clark stated in a release that the successful missions set the stage for routine medical applications through electric flight at a much lower cost nationwide.
The government's eVTOL pilot program spans eight projects across 26 states. Beta Technologies is the most active company in the program, participating in seven of the eight projects. The government initially said testing would begin this summer.
Company Targets 2028 eVTOL Certification as Shares Drop 50% Since November IPO
Beta Technologies' eVTOL aircraft is expected to achieve certification in 2028. The company also manufactures a conventional takeoff and landing craft on track for certification in 2027.
The company's shares have lost approximately half their value since its initial public offering in November. Beta Technologies is backed by Amazon.
eVTOL Industry Faces Broad Stock Declines Across Major Players
Appetite across the eVTOL industry has soured. Joby shares are down by over a third this year. Archer Aviation shares are down by over a third this year. The U.K.'s Vertical Aerospace has lost 68% of its value. Some companies are in the middle of heated court battles.
For years, the industry has promoted flying cars as a solution to congested traffic, with medical, cargo and defense applications. Multiple electric air taxi makers are racing to secure Federal Aviation Administration certification and to start flying passengers commercially.
FAQ
What did Beta Technologies accomplish on Friday?
Beta Technologies completed the first test flights in the U.S. government's electric vertical takeoff and landing pilot program on Friday. The flights transported manufactured organs from United Therapeutics between airports in Maryland and Virginia, totaling approximately 253 nautical miles.
When does Beta Technologies expect to receive eVTOL certification?
Beta Technologies' eVTOL aircraft is expected to achieve certification in 2028. The company's conventional takeoff and landing craft is on track for certification in 2027.
How many projects is Beta Technologies participating in under the government's eVTOL program?
Beta Technologies is participating in seven of the eight projects in the government's eVTOL pilot program, which spans 26 states. This makes Beta the most active company in the program.
