Several European startups are actively developing electric planes that could carry passengers between EU countries in the coming years. Since such aircraft are not designed for long distances, they are planned for short-haul routes, reports infohub.kz.
The development of electric planes began long ago to reduce carbon footprint. However, now, according to their engineers, they will also be economically beneficial. Battery-powered aircraft will make countries less dependent on imported aviation kerosene, which is especially relevant amid fuel price spikes due to crises in Russia and the Middle East.
Currently, the development of new-generation aircraft is nearing completion, reports euronews.com. German startup Vaeridion plans to certify a nine-seat electric plane by 2030. Dutch company Elysian Aircraft aims to finish developing a battery-powered aircraft for 90 passengers by 2035, capable of covering up to a thousand kilometers per trip. French startup Aura Aero expects to obtain flight permission for its 19-seat electric plane by the end of 2029.
As representatives of Vaeridion note, the cost of a flight for passengers will be comparable to a first-class train ticket.
Electric plane developers already have pre-orders. They are most competitive on short-haul routes up to 500 km. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), this accounts for a quarter of all European air routes.
Earlier, Kursiv reported on plans to launch drone taxis in Astana and Almaty.