On Tuesday, an all-electric aircraft made history by successfully landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport for the first time. The aircraft, named the Alia CX300, made a 45-minute journey from Suffolk County to Queens in a passenger-carrying demonstration flight. This marks the first time an all-electric aircraft has landed at an airport in the New York-New Jersey region.

The aircraft was piloted by the founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, Kyle Clark, who expressed his excitement about the flight and the future of urban air mobility. He highlighted the efficiency and environmental benefits of electric aviation, stating that the flight from East Hampton to JFK cost only $8 in electricity.

Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based start-up, has been working on all-electric aircraft for six years and has undergone rigorous safety testing. Clark believes this flight is a significant milestone in their journey to making commercial electric flights a reality. The company aims to start flying commercial passengers by 2026, with the goal of reducing congestion, emissions, and increasing accessibility for all.

Joining Clark on the flight were four passengers, including Andrew Kimball, CEO of NYC Economic Development Corporation. They were all impressed by the quiet and efficient flight experience. However, the cost of a commercial flight on an all-electric aircraft is still unclear.

While the FAA finalized comprehensive training and pilot certification rules for electric aircraft in October 2024, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the need for airports to establish charging stations and designated areas for takeoff and landing.

Zinnia Maldonado, who joins the CBS News New York team from CBS Boston, had the opportunity to cover various national and breaking news stories, including the Boston Marathon and the Celtics’ journey to the NBA Finals.