Alice Springs operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS) has signed a Letter of Intent for 20 Eviation Alice electric commuter aircraft.
The Eviation Alice is an FAR23 twin powered by two magniX magni650 electric motors putting out 700 kW (940 hp) each, with a range of 250 nm and a max speed of 260 KTAS. The aircraft has been designed for zero carbon emissions.
NTAS currently runs charter, scenic and short-haul RPT operations from Alice Springs using traditional legacy twins and 200-series Cessnas.
“Australia is recognized around the world for its breathtaking scenery and adopting carbon-free technologies is fundamental to preserving the environment for future generations,” said NTAS CEO Ian Scheyer.
“Eviation’s all-electric Alice aircraft provides us with the opportunity to chart a sustainable path forward in connecting communities across the country.
"With the adoption of electric aviation, we will be able to provide cost-effective and convenient passenger and cargo flights across the outback.”
Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis said that the technology behind the Alice was a good fit for NTAS ambitions for greener aviation,
"We value the forward-looking approach NTAS is taking to electrifying both passenger and freight transport services as well as promoting green tourism,” he said.
“The introduction of sustainable technology to meet the needs of NTAS and its customers demonstrates the versatility of electric aviation, and the ubiquitous opportunities for positive transformation through emissions-free regional air travel."
The Alice is still in development, with a technology demonstrator taking to the air for the first time in September this year.