Beta Technologies completes first flights in U.S. eVTOL pilot program, transports organs for United Therapeutics

According to CNBC, Beta Technologies said it completed its first test flights under the U.S. government’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) pilot program, transporting manufactured organs for United Therapeutics between airports in Maryland and Virginia over about 253 nautical miles. The Amazon-backed company said its eVTOL aircraft is expected to achieve certification in 2028, while its conventional takeoff and landing aircraft is on track for 2027. Beta’s shares have lost about half their value since its initial public offering in November, while Joby and Archer Aviation shares are down by over a third this year and Vertical Aerospace has lost 68% of its value.