Technical Specifications:
| manufactured in | USA |
| model year | 2026 |
| flight altitude (m) | 2400 |
| flying time (min) | 120 |
| flying range (km) | 460 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 222 |
| weight (kg) | 3175 |
| passengers (qty) | 6 |
| cargo capacity (kg) | 635 |
* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options
Exterior and Interior photos of BETA Alia-250
BETA Alia-250: American Fixed-Wing eVTOL for Regional and Urban Skies
The BETA Alia-250 is BETA Technologies’ flagship in the electric aviation race, marrying fixed-wing efficiency with vertical lift capability. Due for market entry in 2026, it’s priced at approximately $4,000,000 (£3,150,000/€3,650,000) and built in the USA for a spectrum of missions—from regional passenger service to military logistics. Inspired by the aerodynamics of the Arctic tern, it blends endurance, quiet operation, and payload adaptability, targeting operators in cargo, medevac, and commuter roles.
- First long-range demonstration completed across 22 U.S. states in April 2025
- Manufactured in Burlington, Vermont, with lightweight composite materials
- Starting price: $4,000,000 (£3,150,000/€3,650,000) depending on configuration
- Designed for passenger, cargo, and military mission profiles
Specs and Technical Highlights:
Battery
Powered by advanced lithium-ion battery packs, the Alia-250 sustains up to 120 minutes of airborne time, covering 460 km (286 mi) per charge. Charging infrastructure is part of BETA’s integrated plan, with over 60 stations built or in development. Battery swaps and rapid charging are being refined to keep operational downtime minimal.
- Battery type: lithium-ion
- Flying time: 120 minutes
- Flying range: 460 km (286 mi)
- Charging network: 60+ stations online or in progress
Performance
The aircraft’s maximum speed of 222 km/h (138 mph) and operational ceiling of 2,400 m (7,874 ft) make it well-suited for regional hops and mid-distance commutes. With a 63 kg (139 lb) dedicated cargo allowance in passenger configuration, or up to 635 kg (1,400 lb) in full cargo mode, it offers flexibility unmatched by many purely urban eVTOLs.
- Max speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)
- Flight altitude: 2,400 m (7,874 ft)
- Weight: 3,175 kg (7,000 lb)
- Passenger capacity: 6 total (pilot plus five)
Certification data from its CX300 sibling is streamlining its FAA pathway, expected to shorten time to commercial operations.
Color Range and Design
Exterior
The Alia-250 carries a smooth, elongated fuselage with high-aspect wings and a rear pusher propeller. Its VTOL lift is handled by four vertical rotors mounted on streamlined booms. This dual-mode configuration allows both helipad-style landings and efficient cruise performance.
Color Variants
Initial liveries feature white with blue BETA branding, though corporate operators can customize schemes. The composite skin allows durable finishes, while the aerodynamic shaping maintains efficiency across varied weather conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Long 460 km (286 mi) range for a VTOL platform
- Fixed-wing efficiency with vertical takeoff capability
- Quiet operation—10x quieter than helicopters
- Adaptable for cargo, passenger, and medevac use
Cons
- High acquisition cost at $4 million
- Range and speed slightly below some competitors
- Dependent on BETA’s charging infrastructure rollout
- Certification still in progress for passenger services
Conclusion on BETA Alia-250
For operators seeking zero-emission regional lift with runway flexibility, the BETA Alia-250 offers a blend of capacity, endurance, and operational economy. Its dual-mode design positions it for routes and missions other eVTOLs can’t efficiently serve, making it a contender for both public and private fleets.
Manufacturer: BETA Technologies
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
The BETA Alia-250 enters a competitive fixed-wing eVTOL category alongside the Joby S4, Archer Midnight, and Lilium Jet Pioneer Edition. Each platform offers a distinct balance of range, payload, and operational focus.
Range
At 460 km (286 mi), the BETA Alia-250 outpaces the Joby S4 at around 241 km (150 mi) and the Archer Midnight at 160 km (99 mi), though the Lilium Jet Pioneer Edition stretches farther at roughly 175 km (109 mi) with higher cruise speed.
Acceleration and Power
The fixed-wing architecture allows the BETA Alia-250 to cruise efficiently at 222 km/h (138 mph), with lift managed by four vertical props. The Joby S4 and Archer Midnight use tilt-rotor approaches for more rapid climb profiles, while the Lilium Jet leverages ducted fans for smoother forward acceleration.
Charging Time
With access to BETA’s proprietary network, the BETA Alia-250 is optimized for minimal turnaround, though exact recharge cycles will depend on station capability. The Joby S4 targets sub-30-minute fast charging, similar to the Lilium Jet, while Archer Midnight is still refining charge infrastructure.
Price
At $4,000,000 (£3,150,000/€3,650,000), the BETA Alia-250 is priced higher than both the Joby S4 (estimated $1.5M/£1.18M/€1.37M) and Archer Midnight (around $500,000/£393,000/€457,000) but far below the Lilium Jet Pioneer Edition exceeding $1M (£787,000/€914,000).
