Responsibility

The world’s first 70-plus seat hybrid electric aircraft set for rollout in 2028

Is the aviation industry going electric? As one of the first companies to venture in that direction, the U.K.-based Electric Aviation Group (EAG) has combined conventional and electric propulsion in the world’s first 70+ seat Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft (HERA), which will have an initial operating range of around 900 miles (1,500 kilometers).

HERA, named like the Greek goddess Hera, would be able to make use of smaller regional airports and therefore deliver cargo closer to warehouses, and passengers closer to their inner-city destinations. This would be made possible by its whisper-quiet, short takeoff and landing performance, widening the operational window for night flight. One version could also be rapidly converted from daytime passenger to night-time freight transportation, maximizing revenue potential.

The aircraft has been designed to limit noise pollution and secure an end-to-end reduction in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide footprint – 30% to 40% with its battery technology alone, and an estimated net zero when combined with sustainable fuels. As battery technology evolves, it is capable of becoming fully powered by electricity. With these attributes, EAG’s design is in a good position to take full advantage of what is reckoned to be an $80 billion opportunity in the sustainable mass air transport market. HERA’s rollout is set for 2028.