Electric aviation advances as BETA Technologies and others work toward FAA certification and commercial service by 2028
Why It MattersFederal backing for electric aircraft, in contrast to its retreat from electric cars, suggests the sector may find a more stable policy footing than other electrified transport.
Electric aviation is still in an early stage of development, but a growing number of companies are planning wider use of electric aircraft. The Trump administration has so far embraced the industry's expansion, even as it pulled back federal support for electric cars.
PBS News aviation correspondent Miles O'Brien became the first journalist to pilot one of these aircraft, flying a BETA Technologies aircraft over Vermont's Green Mountains with company founder and CEO Kyle Clark as pilot in command. BETA, founded nine years ago in Burlington, Vermont, designs and builds aircraft, batteries and related equipment.
