UK-based low-cost carrier EasyJet is set to develop and roll out electric aircraft for the first time by 2030, the airline officials said in a statement.
Developed for use on flights shorter than two hours, the flights will run with the help of batteries instead of jet fuel, reported express.co.uk.
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Though the expected launch of the battery-powered jets has been delayed, the company intends to introduce an upgraded technology to reduce carbon emissions and reduce costs.
EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren was quoted by qz.com as saying: “Electric flying is becoming a reality and we can now foresee a future that is not exclusively dependent on jet fuel.”
The British carrier is working with US-based start-up Wright Electric, which is currently building an electric engine for nine-seat aircraft that could be used for short-haul flights by 2027.
It intends to develop an aircraft range of 335 miles, which would cover a fifth of the number of passengers flown by EasyJet and could be used for routes such as London to Paris and Amsterdam, and Edinburgh to Bristol.
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By GlobalDataWright Electric claims that the electric jets are expected to be 50% quieter and 10% cheaper for airlines to purchase and operate.
Between 2000 and 2016, EasyJet is said to have reduced carbon emissions per passenger kilometre by 31%.
