Crossposted from the DES Express

Before dawn on Oct. 30, promptly at 7 a.m., Runway 14L/32R at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) officially reopened for flight operations. Moments later, BETA Technologies’ ALIA electric aircraft quietly took off from the runway (watch a video of the flight), the first plane to do so. Later, airport tenants, guests and employees celebrated the reopening of the small utility runway at a brief gathering over the lunch hour outside the terminal, with Mount Rainier in the background.

“This is celebrating the history of Boeing Field,” said Ann Richart, Aviation Director, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). “This project is supporting safety and innovation.” Read more.