The electric aircraft that Loganair expects to be flying in the Highlands and Islands from 2029
The five-passenger planes would take 20-40 minutes to recharge
Loganair passengers are expected to fly in electric aircraft in three years’ time, the Scottish airline announced on Monday with the planned purchase of five planes.
The carrier said it would become the first in Europe to operate an electric fleet, with the deal following trials in the Highlands and Islands in March that also included the feasibility of carrying mail.
The expected Beta Technologies’ Alia CTOL CX300 order, which was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, includes options for a further five aircraft.
However, it is a non-binding agreement because the new aircraft type has yet to be accredited to fly in the UK by the Civil Aviation Authority - a process which could take several years.
The planes would carry a pilot and five passengers, with the first routes potentially being within Orkney and between the islands and Dundee.
Glasgow-based Loganair said the planes could be recharged in 20-40 minutes.
It said the aircraft could cut operating costs by up to 80 per cent. That is thought likely to make more frequent flights feasible to meet passenger demand.
A total of 23 trial flights took place over ten days across Loganair’s network between Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Kirkwall.
Loganair said they were for “validating performance, ground handling, charging and integration into existing airport and airspace systems”.
It said: “Expected to enter service in 2029, the aircraft will support passenger and cargo operations across Loganair's network, delivering greater operational flexibility with lower operating costs and zero in-flight emissions.”
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said: “This is a historic moment for Loganair and for European aviation.
“Our demonstration programme proved electric aviation is no longer a future concept, it is a viable commercial opportunity.
“The aircraft demonstrated the potential to reduce operating costs by up to 80 per cent while maintaining the reliable regional connectivity our customers and communities depend on.”
He said the agreement - known as a “term sheet” - “reflects our confidence in the technology, our partnership with Beta, and our ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable regional aviation”.
The announcement referred to a “contemplated purchase”.
The move comes despite Loganair predicting last year that hydrogen rather than electric hybrid propulsion would provide the first zero-emission air travel.
But a year before that, it said: “Hybrid is by far and away the most logical thing to do.”
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