First all-electric commercial aircraft conducts inaugural flight

SHARE The world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft has conducted its inaugural flight on the Fraser River at Harbour Air Seaplanes terminal in Richmond, Canada.

The ePlane is the result of a collaboration between North American seaplane airline Harbour Air and electric aircraft motor manufacturer magniX.

In March, the two companies reached a partnership to convert Harbour Air seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet. The aircraft will be powered by the magni500, a 75HP all-electric motor.

ePlane is a six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver fitted with the magni500 propulsion system.

Harbour Air Seaplanes CEO and founder Greg McDougall said: “Today, we made history. I am incredibly proud of Harbour Air’s leadership role in redefining safety and innovation in the aviation and seaplane industry.

“Canada has long held an iconic role in the history of aviation, and to be part of this incredible world-first milestone is something we can all be really proud of.”

Harbour Air and magniX entered a partnership earlier this year to build the world’s first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet.

The high-power-density magni500 electric propulsion system was unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June.

With the successful demonstration, the parties will now focus on obtaining certification and approval.

Following certification, magniX’s all-electric propulsion technology will be fitted into the fleet for service.

magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski said: “Now we are proving that low-cost, environmentally friendly, commercial electric air travel can be a reality in the very near future.”