Electric planes could be reality within next decade, says airline

EasyJet could operate flights using electric aircraft within the next 10 years, according to a manufacturer with which it is collaborating.

Short-haul routes such as London to Paris or Edinburgh to Bristol could be flown using the battery-powered planes.

The carrier has formed a partnership with US-based Wright Electric, which is developing a battery-propelled aircraft for flights under two hours, cutting emissions, noise and fuel consumption.

EasyJet chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said aviation would follow the lead of the automotive industry in looking to electric technology to reduce its impact on the environment.

“For the first time in my career I can envisage a future without jet fuel and we are excited to be part of it,” she said.

“It is now more a matter of when, not if, a short haul electric plane will fly.”

The airline’s chief commercial officer Peter Duffy added: “You’re seeing cities and countries starting to talk about banning diesel combustion engines. That would have been unthinkable just a short time ago.

“As technology moves on attitudes shift, ambitions change and you see opportunities you didn’t see. This is genuinely exciting.”

He said the partnership will help Wright Electric understand what their planes need in order to be commercially successful.

The US company is working with several airlines around the world. It believes that, compared with traditional aircraft, electric planes will be up to 50% quieter and 10% cheaper for airlines to buy and operate.