Cape Air en route to serving Caribbean with electric aircraft
Massachusetts-based Cape Air, a commuter airline that connects San Juan to seven Caribbean destinations, has signed a Letter of Intent to buy 75 all-electric Alice commuter aircraft from manufacturer Eviation Aircraft.
With this engagement, Cape Air “aims to set up an unparalleled regional electric fleet, taking a pioneering step into the sustainable era of aviation,” Eviation said in a release.
Eviation’s all-electric Alice aircraft can accommodate nine passengers and two crew. Cape Air flies more than 400 regional flights a day to nearly 40 cities in the Northeast, Midwest, Montana, and the Caribbean.
Cape Air flies from San Juan to Vieques, Culebra, Mayagüez, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
Deploying a fleet of all-electric Alice aircraft will significantly reduce carbon emissions, as well as maintenance and operational costs for the airline, and provide a smoother and quieter flight experience for passengers.
“Truly sustainable aviation not only reduces the impact of air travel on the environment but also makes business sense,” said Jessica Pruss, Vice President of Sales at Eviation. “We are proud to support Cape Air, a recognized leader in regional air travel, to chart a new path in delivering innovative solutions that benefit airline operators, passengers, communities and society.”
“Cape Air remains committed to sustainability, growth, and innovation, and our partnership with Eviation allows for these commitments to become a reality,” said Cape Air President Linda Markham. “Our customers will be at the forefront of aviation history and our communities will benefit from emission-free travel.”
The Eviation Alice is designed to fly 440 nautical miles on a single charge and has maximum cruise speed of 250 knots. Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft, the company said.
The advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Alice’s operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.
“Cape Air has always maintained a deep commitment to social responsibility. As an early supporter of all-electric air travel, we are dedicated to leading the industry towards a sustainable future,” said Cape Air Board Chairman, Dan Wolf. “Together with Eviation, we are creating the next generation of air travel, in which electric flight will be the industry standard.”
