Largest electric plane in Europe takes to the skies over the UK

(EurActiv, 24 Jun 2020) A six-seater battery-powered aircraft flew for the first time over the UK on Monday (22 June), becoming Europe’s largest e-plane in the process just as the aviation industry revealed that it wants the EU to invest big in the future of flight innovation.

US startup ZeroAvia’s milestone moment is the latest step in its quest to develop fuel cell technology for commercial aircraft, with the objective of using zero-emission hydrogen to power 200-seater planes for up to 5,500km by 2040.

The firm insists that “fundamental scientific breakthroughs” are actually not needed to achieve its lofty 2040 goal and aims to roll out 20-seater planes within three years. Aircraft with configurations of up to 100 seats could be in service by the end of the decade.

“We all want the aviation industry to come back after the pandemic on a firm footing to be able to move to a net-zero future, with a green recovery,” said ZeroAvia Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov.

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EurActiv, 24 Jun 2020: Largest electric plane in Europe takes to the skies over the UK