Sydney Seaplanes plans all-electric fleet
Charter and pleasure flight operator Sydney Seaplanes plans to pivot to an all-electric zero-emissions fleet of aircraft within the next three years.
The company is partnering with US based magniX and Dante Aeronautical for the first Electric Cessna Caravan Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program.
They plan to convert Cessna Caravan aircraft to the first ever all-electric planes certified in Australia.
We believe there will be a revolution in aviation and we want to be at the forefront," said Aaron Shaw, chief executive of Sydney Seaplanes.
"As the only company that’s already powered and flown two all-electric magnified commercial aircrafts, magniX is the ideal partner to help us not only electrify our planes but build toward an electric future that benefits our travelers and the environment.
Everett, WA based magniX has comenced a similar electric conversion program with British Columbia airline Harbour Air.
"Expanding with STC partners globally on more and more aircraft platforms means more sustainable air travel brought to market and to the masses," said magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski.
They are targeting early 2023 for the first emissions-free battery-powered flight, although the regulatory process could be lengthy.
Meanwhile, Sydney Seaplanes, which is the largest seaplane operator in Australia, is planning to launch a new hour-long flight between Sydney and Canberra, landing on Lake Burley Griffin.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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