Eviation Signs Agreement for 50 Electric Planes for Caribbean
Eviation, an electric plane developer, has announced a partnership with GlobalX, a regional aviation operator in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Following the announcement in July that it had partnered with Parker Aerospace to develop Alice, the nine-seater electric aircraft, Eviation has now signed a letter of intent with GlobalX in which it would supply the company with 50 Alice planes.
The 50 Alice planes, which are expected to be delivered by 2027, will enable GlobalX to offer zero-emissions flights to passengers on short-haul routes.
The company's "targets" for the electric plane include a flight range of 440 nautical miles (814km) and a maximum cruising speed of 250 knots (463km/hr). A payload of 1.133 tonnes and take-off needs of approximately 800 metres are also specified.
Eviation's Alice, built on a "clean sheet" platform and powered by magniX's mangi650 propulsion units, is now being assessed in a cargo format by GlobalX.
GlobalX's chair and CEO, Ed Wegel, said in a statement that the flight operator intends to use the Alice aircraft for a variety of purposes.
“Eviation’s Alice aircraft is setting the standard in sustainable aviation, and we plan to offer the aircraft to our cruise line, tour operators, leisure travel providers, and business clients with a need for short-haul charter flights across Florida,” he said.
“The Alice aircraft will allow us to offer sustainable, regional flights to and from major markets and is the first step in our initiative to be a zero-carbon emissions airline by 2050.”
Though details such as charter costs have yet to be determined, there is some hope for less expensive island hopping.
According to reports, flying in an Eviation Alice might be cheaper due to the lower maintenance and power expenses of electric motors compared to traditional aircraft engines.
Gregory Davis, president of Eviation, also hinted that this may become a reality.
“We are delighted to enter this agreement with GlobalX, whose investment in zero-emissions flight demonstrates the airline’s commitment to cleaner skies, lower operational costs, and the provision of the most innovative options for air travel,” he said via a statement.
Source: The Driven
