Scottish airline in European first to use emission free electric aircraft

A battery-powered plane operated by Scotland’s Loganair has come into service making it the first airline in Europe to fly an electric aircraft across its network.

The aircraft, a US-built Alia CX300, is expected to carry parcels for Royal Mail.

It follows years where Loganair – Britain’s largest regional airline – has been pushing to develop an electric aircraft that is suited to its network of short-hop services.

The CX300 has a 200 to 300-mile range and batteries that recharge in about an hour Image: CHP

Luke Farajallah, the Loganair chief executive, said the trial flights, which will range as far as Orkney and the Outer Hebrides will aim to demonstrate that an electric plane is a viable alternative to its fleet of jets and turboprops.

He said: “This is a landmark for European aviation.  We are not talking about concepts, prototypes, or distant ambition, this is a real tangible programme of flying across our network which will provide invaluable data on how an electric aircraft could perform in a real commercial environment.

Luke Farajallah Image: Loganair

It’s a small, battery-powered conventional plane, and it ticks all the boxes to quickly be adopted. We will analyse it in real time and see if it does what it says on the tin.”

Mr Farajallah added:

“Like anything in life, confidence will grow when people can see it for themselves. People in the remote communities we serve are excited because they can see the future in real terms.

Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions. For Loganair, this reflects our practical approach to sustainability – testing credible solutions that can reduce emissions while protecting the essential regional connectivity our communities rely on”. 

Simon Newitt Image: YouTube

“Scotland’s geography makes it one of the most compelling environments for electric aviation anywhere in the world — short routes, existing infrastructure, and communities that have depended on reliable air connections for generations,” commented Simon Newitt, Head of Sales and Support at the plane’s manufacturers, BETA Technologies.

“Flying real postal routes alongside an operator with Loganair’s experience is exactly how you validate this technology. We’re proud to be working with partners like Loganair and Royal Mail, who recognise that keeping these communities connected and doing it sustainably are not competing priorities.”