The story
BETA Technologies builds the ALIA beside the runway in South Burlington — a 50-foot arched wing, one tail-mounted electric motor, and almost no sound on approach. In June 2025 it made the first electric passenger flight into a New York City airport, and Air Force test pilots have already flown it. Every airframe broadcasting this code is early aviation history, happening live.
The ALIA comes in two forms built on the same airframe, batteries and motor: the CX300 that needs a runway, and the ALIA 250 eVTOL that doesn't — four lift rotors let it take off like a helicopter.
Quick answers
How do you identify a ALIA?
A long arched gull wing over a pod fuselage, V-tail, and a single pusher prop at the back. The eVTOL version adds four lift rotors on booms across the wing. Listen for what's missing: there's no engine note at all.
What does a ALIA sound like?
Almost nothing — an electric hum and propwash where an engine note should be. If it's quiet enough to surprise you, that's the point.
How fast is the ALIA?
Top speed is 153 kts (CX300).
How many passengers does the ALIA carry?
Up to 5. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 5 passengers, or cargo.
How far can the ALIA fly?
Range is about 336 nmi (CX300).
How big is the ALIA?
It is 50 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the ALIA first fly?
Its first flight was in 2020.
How many ALIAs have been built?
Unknown built.
How rare is a ALIA in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first ALIA catch is worth 250 points.
