Seattle-based electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation has announced that orders for its Alice 9-seater electric airplane have surpassed $US2 billion.
Eviation, based out of Arlington, Washington, recently completed the first flight of its Alice electric airplane at Grant County International Airport. The flight marked the first all-electric commuter airplane to pass this test and begins a new phase in the plane’s development.
Next up is the certification program on the longer pathway to completing Entry into Service (EIS).
However, even though Alice only recently completed her first flight, Eviation’s order book is overflowing. Customers include US regional airlines Cape Air and Global Crossing, German airline operator EVIA AERO, central American company GlobalX, and German-based international courier DHL.
“Our order book passing the $US2 billion mark is a significant commercial milestone,” said Gregory Davis, the president and CEO of Eviation.
“This success demonstrates that the Alice is leading the industry and meeting the market demand for zero-carbon flight.
“We are already seeing a growing clamour from passengers for sustainable aviation, matched by an increasingly robust attitude from regulators. By ordering the Alice, our forward-thinking customers are positioning themselves wisely for the future.”
Alice has been built from the ground up around al-electric propulsion, produces no carbon emissions, and is significantly cheaper to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops.
As is the case with a number of electric vehicles, Alice is also quieter to operate. This will allow more flights to enter into cities and communities where noise is a factor.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.