Ecotricity, a UK-based green energy company, has announced plans to launch the world’s first electric airline, Ecojet (UK), in early 2024.
To secure routes and a license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Ecojet will initially be using conventionally fuelled planes. It plans to launch with a 19-seater Twin Otter aeroplane travelling on a route from Edinburgh to Southampton running on kerosene-based fuel. A second phase, 18 months later, will result in 70-seater DHC-8 Dash 8s capable of flying to Europe being introduced.
Ultimately Ecojet’s fleet will comprise conventional planes retrofitted with hydrogen-electric powertrains. Once converted, the aircraft will operate with the same power output as before, but with a one-hundred per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. The decision to repurpose old planes rather than build new models from scratch will save 90,000 tonnes of carbon per year. The only by-product will be water, which can be captured and released into the lower atmosphere to avoid the harmful effects of contrails.
Ecotricity and Ecojet founder Dale Vince said: “The question of how to create sustainable air travel has plagued the green movement for decades, Ecojet is by far the most significant step towards a solution to date. The desire to travel is deeply etched into the human spirit, and flights free of CO2 emissions, powered by renewable energy will allow us to explore our incredible world without harming it for the first time.”
There are also plans for several eco-friendly measures on board the aircraft including serving plant-based meals, eliminating single-use plastic and issuing staff environmentally-friendly uniforms.
