Utah's first air taxi demonstrations will take place this week, marking a historic milestone in advanced air mobility (AAM). BETA Technologies, in partnership with 47G will showcase its ALIA aircraft across six state airports.
Salt Lake City, Utah – March 10, 2025
Utah’s first air taxi demonstrations will begin today at the Salt Lake International Airport just weeks after 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) signed a historic MOU with industry-leading electric aerospace company BETA Technologies. Supported by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), this collaboration aims to establish a statewide electric charging network and pilot training programs while integrating BETA’s ALIA aircraft into Utah’s transportation ecosystem.
Over the next three days, BETA will conduct demonstration flights at six airports across the state, including Salt Lake City International and Provo Municipal on March 10; Heber, Logan and Ogden on March 11, and Vernal on March 12.
These flights will highlight ALIA’s ability to reduce commute times, connect urban and rural communities, enhance job access, and improve air quality through clean energy solutions.
While these flights are not yet open for public use, Utahns will have the opportunity to observe demonstrations and engage with experts at select events. As the state moves toward broader adoption, future phases may include passenger service trials.
"Utah is ahead of the game in investing in advanced air mobility," said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA Technologies. "This week's flights will showcase a safe, quiet, and low-cost transportation alternative that could have a lasting impact in Utah and beyond."
BETA’s ALIA aircraft can carry up to five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo, offering a flexible solution for various transportation needs. Additionally, its Charge Cubes , compatible with most air taxi manufacturers, can also power ground vehicles—strengthening the state’s push for integrated, sustainable mobility.
The agreement between BETA Technologies, 47G, and state leaders will help shape air mobility in Utah by developing pilot training programs, forecasting flight operations, and expanding the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance (Project Alta). This initiative outlines a four-phase plan leading up to the 2034 Winter Olympics, incorporating drone package delivery, cargo transport, and passenger flights into Utah’s evolving transportation network.
As air taxis move toward public adoption, key challenges remain. FAA regulations, air traffic integration, and safety protocols must be addressed before large-scale implementation. The state, in collaboration with federal regulators, is actively working to develop standards ensuring safe and efficient operations.
"As Utah's population grows, we must explore innovative transportation solutions," said Carlos Braceras, UDOT executive director. "These demonstrations represent more than just technology—they signal a shift in how we think about mobility."
With 90% of Utah residents living within a 30-minute drive of an airport, the state is uniquely positioned to lead in advanced air mobility (AAM). By investing in infrastructure and regulatory readiness, Utah is setting the stage for a future where air taxis become a seamless part of everyday travel.
Last year, state and business leaders launched the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance (Project Alta), a collaborative partnership with a mission to establish an AAM system for Utah. Project Alta contemplates four main phases of AAM integration by the 2034 Winter Olympic Games that includes expanding existing drone package delivery, instituting reliable cargo transport and moving people.
“By integrating cutting-edge electric aircraft into our mobility ecosystem, we are ensuring the highest standards of safety, advancing medical response capabilities and driving technological innovation that will create lasting benefits for communities across the state,” said Chris Metts, 47G Project Alta executive director. “Utah is attracting investment, accelerating the development of critical infrastructure and enabling the deployment of aircraft that make our transportation system safe and truly multimodal.”
More information about 47G Project Alta can be found here.
Summary of the Memorandum of Understanding between BETA Technologies (BETA), 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G), effective January 28, 2025.
Under this agreement, the parties will collaborate on a series of initiatives with the objective of making Utah the nation’s premier ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The parties agree to:
The MOU was executed by Aaron Starks, President & CEO of 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense, and Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, with letters of support from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).