NEW YORK: A new electric passenger aircraft has completed a successful 27-minute test flight in New York, highlighting the potential of battery-powered aviation to reduce operating costs and reliance on conventional jet fuel.
Developed by US-based Heart Aerospace, the 30-seat X1 aircraft is 76 feet long and weighs around 25,000 pounds.
During its recent test flight, the aircraft flew at an altitude of approximately 1,100 feet using battery power alone and remained airborne for 27 minutes.
According to the report, the flight consumed electricity costing just $5, a figure described as significantly lower than the cost of conventional jet fuel for a comparable flight.
The development comes as rising petrol, diesel and aviation fuel prices continue to encourage aircraft manufacturers to explore electric and other alternative propulsion technologies for passenger aviation.
The successful flight marks another step in efforts to develop cleaner and potentially more economical aircraft for future regional air travel.