All-electric Alice takes first flight

US all-electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation Aircraft has successfully completed the first flight of Alice, the company’s zero-emission aircraft designed for passenger and cargo flights.

CGI rendering of all-electric Alice - Eviation

Alice took off from Grant County International Airport (MWH) in Washington state, flying for eight minutes at 3,500 feet, which has provided Eviation with data to further optimise the aircraft for commercial production.

“Today we embark on the next era of aviation – we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice,” Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis said in a statement. “People now know what affordable, clean and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future.”

According to Eviation, Alice produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops. The company further added that this new generation of aircraft will be able to provide access to airports not currently used due to noise concerns or restricted operating hours.

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