FutureFlight
Amazon Makes Second Investment in Beta, Following Alia eVTOL Test Flight
Beta Technologies has been conducting multiple test flights with its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft, which can carry passengers or freight.
Beta Technologies flew its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft between two of Amazon's Air Hubs in Ohio.
Beta Technologies flew its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft between two of Amazon's Air Hubs in Ohio. (Image: Beta Technologies)

Retail giant Amazon this week made a second investment of an undisclosed amount in eVTOL aircraft developer Beta Technologies. In May 2021, the company’s $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund contributed to a private funding round led by Fidelity Management & Research Company.

On June 23, Beta’s Alia 250 prototype aircraft conducted a test flight between two of Amazon’s Air Hub facilities, making the 55-mile journey from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to Wilmington Air Park in Ohio. The flight was part of an ongoing series of sorties involving the Alia, which is intended for both passenger and cargo services. Over the past two weeks, it has made stops in cities including Springfield and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, as well as the Louisville, Kentucky hub of express delivery group UPS.