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Utah’s first futuristic air taxi takes to the skies

The passenger aircraft are expected to be more widely available within the next decade.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) An electric aircraft named ALIA by BETA Technologies taxis at Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, March 10, 2025, during a multi-day demonstration of the aircraft across Utah.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) An electric aircraft named ALIA by BETA Technologies taxis at Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, March 10, 2025, during a multi-day demonstration of the aircraft across Utah.

The first of Utah’s futuristic air taxis took its inaugural flight Monday. The electric passenger aircraft, slated for widespread use by the 2034 Olympics, are part of a partnership between Utah aerospace industry organization 47G and manufacturer BETA Technologies.

The first flight took to the skies from Salt Lake City International Airport. Leaders of so-called Project Alta imagine statewide service, from Logan, across the Wasatch Front and down to Moab.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) An electric aircraft named ALIA by BETA Technologies is shown at Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, March 10, 2025.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) An electric aircraft named ALIA by BETA Technologies is shown at Salt Lake City International Airport, Monday, March 10, 2025.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) An electric aircraft named ALIA by BETA Technologies takes off from Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, March 10, 2025.

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