Electric motor powered aircraft have flown before. So this wasn’t that kind of first flight. But that doesn’t make it any less significant.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, Harbour Air CEO Greg McDougall flew the company’s MagniX500-powered deHavilland Beaver from the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia.
The four-minute hop was a quick out and back flight.
From Harbour Air’s press release noting the occasion: “This historic flight signifies the start of the third era in aviation — the electric age.”
“Today, we made history,” said McDougall. “I am incredibly proud of Harbour Air’s leadership role in re-defining 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.”
magniX and Harbour Air will now begin the certification and approval process for the propulsion system and the retrofitting of aircraft. Once the certification is complete, the rest of the fleet can be magnified with magniX’s all-electric propulsion technology.
Earlier this year, Harbour Air announced its partnership with magniX and the company’s intention to build the world’s first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet.
I hope Salt Water doesn’t get your terminals wet ! Good luck
Now if only they can find a way to recharge the batteries from a lightning strike.
Nice try, Harbor Air, I applaud your effort! But, beginning of a new era? I have been flying my electric Ultralight for 4 years now, and I know battery technology has a way to go before commercial electric flight makes sense. Let me know when you can fly for an hour AND haul passengers or cargo.
“Refueling” is another weak spot: if you need to maximize revenue, you would need swappable batteries – you would not want your plane out of commission for several hours while charging.
That said, I do agree that electric propulsion is the next era in aviation, and I am proud to help as an early adopter. And I would love to fly an electric sea plane!
Martin – you sound as if you think battery technology is frozen in time! Tesla vehicles already have the same range as their ICE equivalents. Refueling? The new Tesla V3 250kW chargers can add 75 miles of range in 5 minutes. Swappable batteries are no longer needed and were rejected years ago (remember Better Place?). The electric aviation era is upon us.
It is a transformative step for You Harbor Air as well as the Industry. The dawn of a New Era. I have no doubt that the growth of the short-haul air passenger industry will astonish people.