Electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation Aircraft announced that German company EVIA AERO, which is currently developing a sustainable regional airline, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 25 Alice aircraft, its all-electric model.
The future operator intends the aircraft to be the mainstay of its fleet, operating point-to-point regional flights within Germany, as well as between the country and Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. The news came less than a month after the Alice prototype completed its historic first flight.
According to the current order situation, U.S. regional carrier Cape Air would become the launch customer for the type, which would be scheduled on routes between Boston and small towns in Massachusetts from 2023. However, other operators had already made official their interest in acquiring it. In August 2021, DHL placed an order for the first twelve freighter-version aircraft, with deliveries to begin in 2024.
The Eviation Alice is an all-electric aircraft capable of carrying up to nine passengers. It is so far the only electric aircraft of this size that has been successfully flight-tested. According to its developer, it has a maximum range of up to 815 kilometres and can fly at speeds of up to 260 knots per hour (480 kilometres per hour).
It is constructed of composite materials and is powered by two magni650 electric engines, developed by magniX. According to the manufacturer, the powerplant contributes to a significant reduction in noise impact and operating cost per flight hour compared to regional jets or turboprops.
In addition, it can be configured in three cabin versions, depending on each customer’s needs: 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).
“Together with Eviation, a pioneer of electric flight, we will introduce a fleet of zero-emission aircraft that will transform the way we experience regional travel in Europe”, said Florian Kruse, founder and CEO of EVIA AERO. “We are deeply committed to holistically transforming the aviation industry by implementing a complete cycle of local energy generation, storage, and flight operations”, he added.
“Eviation’s Alice promises to transform commuting by air across Europe”, said Loic Questiaux, Eviation’s Sales Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Not only green and clean, but elegantly designed, and providing a smoother, quieter in-flight experience, the Alice will offer EVIA AERO passengers a new way to fly”, he concluded.
Ver también: Cape Air to order 75 Eviation Alice
