The world’s first passenger electric aircraft, the Alia CX300 by Beta Technologies, has successfully landed at New York’s JFK Airport after a 35-minute journey from East Hampton, Long Island. The flight carried four passengers and cost only $8 (around ₹688) in electricity, introducing a new model of low-cost, short-distance air travel.

Piloted by Beta Technologies CEO Kyle Clark, the aircraft covered 130 km at a speed of 222 km/h. Designed for short routes, the Alia CX300 runs fully on electricity and can be used for passenger, cargo, and medical transport. Unlike traditional planes, it operates quietly and produces no carbon emissions. A similar flight on a fuel-powered aircraft would cost between $150 and $200 in fuel.

With a full charge, the Alia CX300 can travel up to 460 km. Inside the cabin, passengers were able to talk freely due to the low noise level. The flight included leaders from Republic Airways and Blade Air Mobility. Electric planes are well-suited for short routes, where regular air travel is often too costly. Traveling the same route by car takes over two hours and costs about $30–$40. The train ride takes nearly three hours. The electric flight offered a quicker and more affordable option.

Beta Technologies aims to get full approval for the Alia CX300 by 2026. It is building a network of charging stations across the United States and has already received orders from companies like UPS and Air New Zealand. India is also preparing to launch its own electric air taxi service by 2026. The government has started planning trials and issued rules for take-off zones and flight operations. As more companies develop electric aircraft, air travel is likely to shift in a new direction.

While battery limits and rules are still a challenge, the future of electric flying looks promising. With support from global companies and governments, electric aircraft could soon become a common option for short travel, just like buses and trains. The success of this flight signals the start of a new journey in the skies.