Electric Planes: The Future of Aviation

Flying is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel, especially for long-distance trips. However, conventional airplane flights are energy-intensive and depend on fossil fuels for power. Because aircraft emissions are released high in the atmosphere, they have a potent impact on Earth’s climate, triggering chemical reactions and atmospheric effects that add greatly to planetary warming. Currently, approximately 170 electric aircraft projects are underway around the globe – up by 50% since April 2018. Many of these efforts involve futuristic designs for urban air taxis, private planes or package-delivery aircraft. But major firms have also announced plans to electrify their commercial aircraft. Inspired by Elon Musk and the Tesla electric car, Harbour Air, the largest seaplane airline in North America has built and tested the first electric seaplane. In an effort to reduce emissions from its aircraft, Harbour partnered with magniX, a research and development firm with operations in the US and Australia, to develop the first fully electric commercial aircraft. In December 2019, the modest Canadian airline got its “e-plane” off the ground, pulling ahead of other electric-flight projects, including those by big-name companies Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce. Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, the Israeli company Eviation hopes to market the world’s first all-electric plane, called the Eviation Alice, by 2022. In 2023, Eviation may bring out an extended-range aircraft capable of traveling a distance of 745mi (1200 km). Mr. Engler added that electric planes will provide lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, and lower noise levels for passengers and communities living under flight paths. We thank all the scientists, engineers, and aviation companies currently searching for alternative ways to reduce CO2 emissions and protect our beautiful planet. May your goals soon be reached.