Commuter airline Cape Air has finalized an agreement with electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation Aircraft for the purchase of 75 Alice aircraft. The letter of intent announced by the two companies is a further step towards the possible start of zero-emission commercial flight operations.

Cape Air inaugurated its services in 1989. Since then, it has become one of the leading commuter airlines in the United States. Based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, it serves the Northeast and Midwest, Montana and the Caribbean. It currently operates a fleet of 108 aircraft, consisting of Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander, Cessna 208 Caravan, Cessna 402 and Tecnam P2012 Traveller models. It operates around 400 flights every day.

The order of the 75 Alice aircraft is its largest current purchase commitment. Cape Air claims to be taking a pioneering step into the sustainable era of aviation through the creation of an all-electric regional fleet.

«Cape Air remains committed to sustainability, growth and innovation, and our partnership with Eviation allows for these commitments to become a reality», said Linda Markham, President and CEO of the company. «Our customers will be at the forefront of aviation history and our communities will benefit from emission-free travel», she added.

Dan Wolf, Board Chairman, noted that Cape Air «has always maintained a deep commitment to social responsibility». He said they are creating «the next generation of air travel, in which electric flight will be the industry standard».

The Eviation Alice will be especially useful for regional flights operators. Its range of around 440 nautical miles (depending on flight conditions) makes it an attractive option for reducing carbon emissions, operation costs and related maintenance in this market segment.

It will be available in three different versions: daily commuter (up to nine passengers and two pilots), executive (up to six passengers and two pilots) and cargo (with 12.7 cubic metres of space and up to 2,500 pounds of payload).