Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Helitour and charter company FlyNYON on Thursday announced a “committed purchase order” for up to five Beta Technologies’ Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft. The New Jersey-based operator intends to use the five-passenger vehicles for “photo tourism” and charter flights around New York City.
Beta’s eVTOL aircraft will join FlyNYON’s existing <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-01-08/meridian-delivers-29th-refurbished-bell-206-flynyon">fleet of seven Bell 206</a> L3 and L4 turbine helicopters, including some open-door models. Taking off daily from New Jersey’s Kearny heliport (65NJ), about five miles from Manhattan, these helicopters carry between three and six passengers and fly around New York City for 15 to 40 minutes.
“FlyNYON has demonstrated a clear commitment to urban air mobility and is offering an excellent passenger experience,” said Patrick Buckles, Beta’s head of aircraft sales. “With its quiet, low-cost, and ultra-reliable profile, our Alia aircraft will help set a new standard in safe, customer-first operations as FlyNYON looks to continue expanding and innovating.”
The FlyNYON order announcement comes on the heels of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-03/beta-makes-first-electric-flight-new-york-city-airport">Beta’s first all-electric flight into New York City</a>’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) on June 3. For that passenger-carrying demonstration flight, Beta used a production-conforming prototype of its Alia CX300 airplane, a fixed-wing version of the Alia 250 that Beta aims to certify this year. FAA certification of the Alia 250 eVTOL model is expected to follow in 2026.
“Their aircraft offer a new standard in efficiency and performance, and their exceptionally quiet operations makes them particularly well-suited for the urban and regional environments we serve, allowing us to fly more neighborly,” said FlyNYON CEO Patrick Day. “This partnership supports our continued focus on delivering safe, modern, and customer-focused aerial services as we grow our fleet and expand our capabilities.”
In addition to the two Alia models, Vermont-based Beta also manufactures <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-01-07/betas-aircraft-charging-network-doubled-2024">electric aircraft chargers</a> and has installed them at more than 50 sites across the U.S.—not (yet) including the Kearny heliport.
The heliport’s owner and operator, Helo Holdings Inc. (HHI), previously agreed to install different chargers made by rival eVTOL aircraft developer Joby Aviation. In January 2024, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-01-24/joby-lines-new-york-city-evtol-air-taxi-operating-base">Joby announced</a> that Kearny will be its hub for future New York City air taxi operations, and HHI agreed to install Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS). Beta, on the other hand, has adopted the internationally recognized CCS standard for electric vehicles with its aircraft chargers.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Five Beta Alia 250 eVTOL Aircraft

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

New York City helitour and charter company FlyNYON announced a “committed purchase order” for up to five of Beta Technologies’ Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft.

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Republic Airways is the latest customer to receive an aircraft for testing.

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Debuts at Paris Air Show

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Competing against the Boeing 777, this airliner has a maximum capacity of 410 passengers.

Airbus A350-1000 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

Beta Technologies

More In Aircraft

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Debuts at Paris Air Show

Republic Airways is the latest customer to receive an aircraft for testing.

Airbus A350-1000 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

Competing against the Boeing 777, this airliner has a maximum capacity of 410 passengers.

Fouga CM170 Magister Flies at the Paris Air Show

This French classic is right at home at the Paris Air Show.

Embraer KC-390 Military Airlifter Flies at the Paris Airshow

Nations around the world have ordered the multirole aircraft.

Embraer E195-E2 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

The regional airliner can seat up to 146 passengers.

Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jet Flies at the Paris Air Show

The multirole fighter is flown by nations across Europe and the Middle East.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN