There has been a plethora of electric-powered aircraft in the last decade, many flying successfully, but not yet a commercial success.

The ALIA 250 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, manufactured by BETA Technologies, could be the breakthrough with a first flight in March 2021 and a contract for ten to be supplied to UPS by 2024 with plans to buy 140 more for time-sensitive deliveries.  A second development aircraft has now flown.

Last April Blade Urban Air Mobility ordered 20 aircraft, becoming BETA's first passenger service company. In May BETA Technologies was granted the Air Force’s first airworthiness certificate as a part of the AFWERX Agility Prime programme, allowing the military to begin using the company's aircraft for test flights.  

The second prototype is designed to charge in under an hour, and carry six passengers or cargo for up to 250nm.  The zero emission engines provide separate lift and thrust with a cruise speed of 170mph.  The four fixed rotors lift the aircraft, while the pusher-propeller creates propulsion for the cruise phase. During the transition from lift to cruise during take-off, the lift engines stow and align with the booms of the aircraft for smoother aerodynamics. Flight is controlled by the rear propeller and wings, and for landing, the lifters transition back into use.

The company offers free flight training to all employees.

https://craft.co/beta-technologies

https://afwerx.com