Electric planes prepare for take-off as government invests £343m

The future of flight is electric, industry experts say, after a £343m government investment in electric and hybrid aerospace research.

The flagship project that will benefit from the cash is the E-Fan X, an experimental version of the BAe146 aircraft developed jointly by Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Siemens. Instead of the usual four jet engines, the prototype will have two jets and two electric motors, powered by an onboard generator.

At the Farnborough Airshow last week, Business Secretary Greg Clark said he wanted the UK to be at the forefront of the race to create electric aircraft for the next generation of traveller.

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The benefits will not just environmental. Electric aircraft will be quieter, allowing airports to be built nearer cities. Runways could also be shorter: in hybrid planes currently in development, electric motors provide extra power and lift on take-off and landing.

The new breed of aircraft will also be more efficient, cutting fuel bills, one of the biggest and most volatile costs for an airline.

All the major aerospace firms are working on electric technology, and budget carrier easyJet is among the airlines that have expressed an interest. “The airline wants the proposed planes to fly passengers on its short-haul routes, possibly within 10-20 years,” says the BBC.

The number of air passengers is expected to double by 2035. “If people can’t and won’t stop flying,” says The New Statesman, “electrification, the main players are sure, is the answer.”

Find out how Barclays Corporate Banking’s industry experts are supporting clients to achieve their ambitions at barclayscorporate.com

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