Utah’s first futuristic air taxis take flight in statewide demonstration tour
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- The electric-powered ALIA aircraft is pictured as it takes flight from Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday, March 10, 2025.
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- 47G CEO and President Aaron Starks speaks at a podium in front of the ALIA aircraft during a showcasing demonstration at Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday, March 10, 2025.
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- The pilot cockpit in the electric-powered ALIA aircraft is pictured during a showcasing demonstration hosted by 47G and Beta Technologies at Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday, March 10, 2025.
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- The electric-powered ALIA aircraft is pictured during a showcasing demonstration hosted by 47G and Beta Technologies at Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday, March 10, 2025.
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- Attendees gather around the electric-powered ALIA aircraft during a showcasing demonstration hosted by 47G and Beta Technologies at Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Though commuting via an air taxi probably sounds like an episode of “The Jetsons,” Utah is aiming to make it happen within the next decade, and thanks to a small electric aircraft named ALIA, the state’s dream of advanced aviation mobility could be closer to reality. The innovative form of transportation took to the Utah skies for the first time Monday.
“This is a very special, momentous occasion for the state of Utah, but importantly for Utah County,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, during a stop at Duncan Aviation in Provo on Monday afternoon.
In late January, 47G, a Utah-based aerospace and defense company, signed a memorandum of understanding agreement with air taxi manufacturing company Beta Technologies.
Less than two months later, the collaborative effort of both companies, in conjunction with the Utah Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, or GOEO, held a series of air taxi demonstrations at airports and aviation hubs across the state, including in Provo and Ogden.
On Monday, Utah County leaders, elected officials and stakeholders took their first up-close and personal glance at the ALIA aircraft as it sat idle inside the hanger at Duncan Aviation near the Provo Airport.
The ALIA aircraft is powered by an all-electric propulsion system with conventional and vertical takeoff and landing capability. The air taxi has a 50-foot wingspan and has the ability to transport up to five passengers plus a pilot or 1,250 pounds of cargo.
Officials from Beta Technologies touted and showcased the many ways air transport can transform mobility — by reducing commute times, connecting rural and urban communities, expanding job access and providing critical medical services. They also believe the aircraft can play a role in improving air quality through clean energy solutions.
“It enables commuters to travel across the county and around difficult terrain, to carry critical cargo and medical supplies all over the state in a way that is lower cost and more efficient than is happening currently, ” said Jake Goldman, director of public affairs at Beta Technology.
47G and Beta Technologies held a similar demonstration event at the Ogden-Hinckley Airport on Tuesday.
Utah County leaders envision air taxis as a solution to reducing commute times between areas like Provo or Orem to destinations west of Utah Lake.
“Getting from Eagle Mountain to Provo today takes 45 minutes,” Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said. “There are very few roads to travel. And even if we built every single one of those roads to max capacity, by 2050, we are still 40,000 trips a day short from Eagle Mountain to the (Interstate 15) corridor.”
Since taking office in 2022, Powers Gardner said she’s pushed for disruptive and innovative technology and ways to prepare Utah County for growth.
She believes advanced air mobility is another step in that direction.
“Not only does that alleviate traffic, but it also is good for the environment, reducing emissions significantly,” Powers Gardner said.
Ultimately, the aircraft manufactured by Beta Technologies would play a part in a future statewide transportation plan ahead of the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
“You’ll see aircraft such as this one behind me really unlocking that advanced air mobility,” said Emma Davis, a flight test engineer for Beta Technologies. “So those regional missions where you’re taking a hop from Provo (to) Ogden or Ogden to Logan, Logan to Salt Lake, really opening up the Wasatch Range.”
Davis, a graduate of Utah State University, spoke to the excitement of being back in Utah to showcase ALIA.
“This technology, which seems like it’s so distant in the future, can actually seamlessly integrate within the airport infrastructure that’s here,” she said. “Obviously, there is some infrastructure we want to put in place for charging the aircraft, but other than that — it’s a seamless integration to the American air system that’s out there.
Flights transporting humans won’t happen anytime soon, but the air taxis could begin carrying cargo deliveries within a couple of years.
The air taxis would be stationed at various hubs throughout the state, including regional and municipal airports such as Provo and Ogden.
Last year, the Utah Legislature put aside $1.14 million toward needed infrastructure like a place for aircraft to land and takeoff as well as charging stations for aircraft.
UDOT has been conducting a study to determine which locations would be best suited for the air taxis.
Another lingering piece is getting certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, which could prompt delays for air taxi developers.
On Monday, the FAA temporarily suspended enforcement of its new air-taxi operations and pilot-training rule, with the provisions to be reviewed by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Officials with 47G say they anticipate having the ALIA aircraft back in Utah within the coming months, providing Utah citizens more opportunities to see it firsthand.
