Joby and Beta open Florida electric air-taxi trial flights
Joby and Beta flew electric aircraft from St. Petersburg to Tampa on October 30, launching Florida’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program activity. Beta says its Florida CX300 work has already covered nearly 700 nautical miles across 14 flights.
- October 30, 2026 flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa
- Joby S4 eVTOL and Beta Alia CX300 flew side by side
- 14 Beta CX300 Florida eIPP flights reported so far
- Nearly 700 nautical miles flown in Tampa and Orlando regions
- Part 135 revenue flights could follow in late 2026 or early 2027
Two battery-electric aircraft crossed Tampa Bay as Florida started its part of the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. Joby brought its S4 vertical-takeoff aircraft, while Beta flew the runway-based Alia CX300, both arriving at Tampa International Airport.
The numbers show the program is more than a one-off photo flight. Beta said its CX300s had completed 14 Florida eIPP flights covering nearly 700 nautical miles, and earlier I-4 corridor work with Republic Airways reached up to nine flights in a day.
This matters because Florida is trying to turn eVTOL planning into airport procedures, charging, acoustics data and operating lessons. It is not yet a passenger service: the aircraft still lack FAA type certification, and revenue flights are expected only after more approvals and commercial work.
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