On March 19, it was announced that the Scottish airline, Loganair, is to be the first UK commercial airline to fly an all-electric aircraft across its network. The airline used an aircraft called Beta Technologies ALIA in order to take a further step towards a zero-emission regional aviation.
Loganair to conduct a two week testing period
The flights were to form a wider demonstration programme to explore how electric aircraft can be used in short-haul networks, focusing on keeping operating costs and emissions as low as possible. The flight, conducted in Scotland from Glasgow to Dundee, had been fixed with a battery-powered, fixed wing to test the switch to a more sustainable power source. The initiative is a two week trial with two pilots to see whether the electric aircraft can be used for Loganair routes. Loganair’s recent decision to add four new direct routes to Jersey is the airline’s attempt to connect Jersey Islands and expand their ongoing network.
The objective is to see how this new age of sustainable fuels can help deliver freight, mail and essential goods without contributing to carbon emissions. Decarbonising short-haul aviation is the main goal, albeit difficult and time consuming.
Loganair Chief Executive Officer, Luke Farajallah, stated:
“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable, and operationally viable. Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short-haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions.”
The Future of All-Electric Aircraft across Network
The flight highlights the potential of electric aircraft to decarbonise short-haul routes while maintaining connectivity regionally. The BETA Technologies ALIA CX300 is an all-electric aircraft designed for regional passengers and cargo missions, Loganair used this aircraft to carry out the series of tests. With a range of more than 250 miles on a single charge, the aircraft is said to be well suited for operations such as those flown by Loganair.
The characteristics of the aircraft is said to be a strong candidate for routes where short distances and access to smaller airfields are critical.
Luke Farajallah added:
“This is a real, tangible programme of flying across our network which will provide invaluable data on how an electric aircraft could perform in a real commercial environment,”
The partnership with Beta Technologies builds on Loganair’s efforts to explore how aviation can come up with sustainable solutions.
Interested in staying up to date with new technological breakthroughs in aviation? Follow us on Travel Radar for the latest aviation news.
