The first-of-its-kind zero-emission plane, Alice, was built with regional aviation in mind. Israeli startup Eviation stole the show at the 53rd International Paris Air Show in June, when it unveiled its battery-powered, all-electric nine-seater aircraft. In the meantime, here are six electric aviation companies to watch in the next 12 months. Whether eliminating single-use plastics, investing in renewable energy or switching to all-electric on-the-ground fleet vehicles, green airports have a better chance of getting off the ground well before large-scale electric commercial aviation gets some serious wind beneath its wings. In a place such as the United States, where the aviation industry contributes 12 percent of all carbon emissions, that’s a big opportunity to reduce emissions.Īs the regional, "middle-mile" electric aviation industry continues to pick up speed, t here are plenty of near-term opportunities for airports and airline companies to move the needle on the industry’s sustainability efforts. And then there’s the obvious challenge of convincing fliers - frequent and infrequent - to embrace electric planes as ticket-purchasing passengers.Īlthough a day when travelers can crisscross the world in all-electric commercial jets may seem a lifetime away, roughly 45 percent of global flights are under 500 miles, putting almost half of all flights within the range of an electric motor.
That technology is decades away, and while the number of electric aircraft programs in progress around the world could hit 200 by the end of the year, only a couple of small, short-range electric aircraft designs have taken to the skies.Īs more companies prepare to test prototypes by the end of 2019, three big hurdles remain: improving new technologies navigating a lengthy and expensive certification process and attracting (and maintaining good relationships with) deep-pocketed investors. Although big-name organizations such as Boeing, JetBlue and NASA are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into electric aviation research and development, you won’t be able to fly across the United States on an all-electric commercial jumbo jet anytime soon.
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