BETA Technologies announced on October 21, 2026, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded its ALIA VTOL (A250) aircraft a Special Airworthiness Certificate for market surveys, marking the first such authorization granted to an electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations, the authorization allows BETA to conduct flights with operators and key stakeholders so they can experience the A250 firsthand, and it expands the geographic scope of BETA's operations within applicable FAA limitations.

The all-electric A250 has dual pilot controls and is designed to carry up to five passengers and more than 1,200 pounds of cargo, sharing a common architecture with BETA's ALIA CTOL aircraft.

BETA said the A250 completed its first flight under the new authorization on October 20, 2026.

Source: BETA Technologies