Loganair to fly first all-electric aircraft across network

Loganair claims to be the first UK commercial airline to fly an all-electric aircraft across its network.

 

The regional carrier is due to fly a battery-powered fixed-wing aircraft, from Glasgow to Dundee today (Thursday).

 

The first electric flight in Scotland is being run alongside Beta Technologies, a US electric aerospace company using its ALAI CTOL aircraft.

 

A two-week trial with two pilots will see the electric aircraft used across Loganair routes.

 

The objective is to demonstrate the capability of a zero emissions aircraft to deliver freight, mail and essential goods such as medical supplies.

 

The milestone flight signals a “significant step” towards decarbonising short-haul aviation, albeit the aircraft will not carry passengers.

 

Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said: “This is a landmark day for European aviation, and in-particular for Scotland’s airline Loganair.

 

“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.

 

“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable, and operationally viable. 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.

 

“The trial builds on our wider sustainability efforts, including fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements, software implementation, and the exploration of sustainable aviation fuel. We are very excited about being at the vanguard of a greener future for aviation.”

 

Civil Aviation Authority future safety & innovation director Sophie O’Sullivan said: “Electric aircraft offer the possibility of cleaner, quieter flights, with improved connectivity and greater reliability.

 

“The UK Civil Aviation Authority have granted permission for Loganair and Beta to demonstrate their electric aircraft across Loganair’s commercial network.

 

“As electric aerospace technology advances, trials like this contribute to our work to establish the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility, helping us enable this new technology to develop safely.”

 

Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “Congratulations to Loganair on this world-first all-electric flight by a commercial airline on its route network. 

 

“This flight highlights the exciting, real-world developments on decarbonising aviation that are happening today.

 

“Alongside industry efforts to deliver more sustainable aviation fuels, modernise UK airspace and bring more efficient aircraft into fleets, this is further proof we have the tools to grow our sector whilst driving down our environmental impact, which must happen whilst keeping flying affordable for all.”