EasyJet, which operates more than 30 routes out of Liverpool, has been working with US-based Wright Electric on an all-electric aircraft which it aims to have in service by 2030. Tony McDonough reports
Passengers could be flying out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport on emissions-free all-electric aircraft by 2030 after easyjet revealed test flights are scheduled to begin in 2023.
The low-cost airline, which operates more than 30 routes out of Liverpool, has been working with US-based partner Wright Electric on an all-electric aircraft. It’s aim is to be using a 186-seat plane on commercial flights by 2030.
Wright is engineering electrical systems which will be necessary for commercial flight for the aircraft currently known as Wright 1. It is building a 1.5 MW electric motor and inverter at 3 kilovolts. These components will form the powerplant of Wright 1 aircraft.
Wright Electric is in discussions with UK-based BAE Systems relating to flight controls and energy management systems. Its intends to conduct ground tests of its motor in 2021 and flight tests in 2023.
At an event the company held in New York, Wright demonstrated a preview of its motor and fan. The firm also announced that it is moving its headquarters to Albany, NY to take advantage of the world-class engineering talent there.
The motor development programme is the next step towards building its narrow body class aircraft. Wright will be simultaneously conducting aerodynamic tests on its fuselage, which will inform the propulsion design.
The company expects entry of service of Wright 1 in 2030. A number of government agencies in the US are aiding research by providing funding into electric aviation including NASA and Air Force Research Laboratory.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: “This is another crucial step for our partner Wright Electric to move towards the introduction of commercial electric aircraft and it is exciting to see their ambitious timeline for testing and entry into service.
“Battery technology is advancing at pace with numerous US government agencies now funding research into electric aviation– all of these developments help us to more clearly see a future of more sustainable operations.
“We know it is important to our customers that we operate as sustainably as possible – our carbon offsetting programme has been positively received by our customers and we have now offset more than 9m passenger journeys.
However, we are clear this is an interim solution until new technologies become available and we can see more clearly than ever a future that is not exclusively reliable on jet fuel.”
Jeffrey Engler, chief executive of Wright Electric, added: “Wright Electric is dedicated to bringing low-emissions 186 seat electric planes systems to market. Its mission is to make commercial aviation greener, and our megawatt engine program is the next step in making our mission a reality.”