Eviation Alice demonstrator completes maiden flight
Eviation’s Alice aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight, signalling the launch of its flight test programme.
Alice lifted off at 7:10am from Grant County International Airport, flying for 8 minutes at a maximum altitude of 3,500ft. These first flights of the technology demonstrator will provide Eviation with data to fine-tune aircraft for commercial production.
Eviation president and CEO, Gregory Davis said: “People now know what affordable, clean and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future.”
According to Eviation, Alice produces no carbon emissions, “significantly” reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops. Eviation is targeting the commuter and cargo markets, and will typically operate flights ranging from 150miles to 250miles.
Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines, both US-based airlines, have placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft respectively.
Cape Air, founder and board chairman, Dan Wolf said: “The first flight of Alice represents a transformational milestone for the aviation industry. We currently fly more than 400 regional flights per day, connecting more than 30 cities across the United States and Caribbean. Alice can easily cover 80 percent of our flight operations, bringing sustainable, emission-free travel to the communities we serve.”
DHL Express is Eviation’s first cargo customer, with an order of 12 Alice eCargo planes. Geoff Kehr, senior vice president, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express said: “With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of zero-emissions logistics. DHL is the industry leader by introducing new and more sustainable cargo aircraft types to the global market. Alice is the true game-changer by enabling long distance air transport for the first time with zero emissions.”
