Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
31 October 2018 08:22
The silhouette of a passenger plane flying in sunset.
Electric planes could soon be flying on short-haul routes in Europe, according to the boss of EasyJet.
The carrier's chief executive Johan Lundgren said the airline is "moving fast" in developing electric planes and that he can foresee a future that is "not exclusively dependant on jet fuel."
In partnership with US-based manufacturer Wright Electric, the Luton-based carrier is looking to develop battery-propelled aircraft for flights of less than two hours by 2027.
Wright Electric, which already has a two-seater electric plane and plans to be flying nine-seater next year, has applied for a patent on a motor for an electric airliner.
All-electric
EasyJet believes the progress means an all-electric commercial passenger jet capable of flying passengers across its European network is "in sight".
London-Amsterdam has a strong demand for day return trips and could be "an ideal route" for the technology to be used.
Mr Lundgren said: "Looking forward, the technological advancements in electric flying are truly exciting and it is moving fast.
"From the two-seater aircraft, which is already flying, to the nine-seater which will fly next year, electric flying is becoming a reality and we can now foresee a future that is not exclusively dependent on jet fuel."
Quieter and cheaper
Wright Electric predicts electric planes will be up to 50% quieter and 10% cheaper for airlines to buy and operate, compared with traditional aircraft.
The company is focused on improving batteries and making the aircraft frame as efficient as possible for use with electric motors.
Conventional short-haul aircraft have one large jet engine underneath each wing, but electric planes would have several smaller motors.
Its chief executive Jeffrey Engler said: "We are excited about what the next year holds. EasyJet has been a fantastic partner and we look forward to helping introduce low-emissions, low-noise aviation, to Europe."
If you're planning on going on any short-haul breaks, check out our dedicated city breaks travel insurance and get the right cover for you.
20 November 2018
Health officials are hoping blood donors keep their appointments in the run-up to Christmas to avoid stocks running low over the festive period.
[more...]
17 November 2018
London Stansted could soon welcome 43 million passengers a year, after a bid to raise its capacity was approved by the local council.
16 November 2018
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
15 November 2018
Smokers who regularly use vapers are more likely to try and quit smoking for good, new research has suggested.
14 November 2018
Leukaemia patients are now a step closer to personalised treatments after a British study looked at the role gene mutations play in blood cancers.
13 November 2018
A quick scan of the blood vessels in a patient's neck could soon be a critical part of future dementia screening, new research has suggested.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.