EasyJet to fly electric planes within 10 years

UK budget airline EasyJet is planning to use electric planes for short-haul flights within the next decade, the company said on Wednesday.

Conventional aero engines could be replaced in the near future with electric batteries, following the direction of automakers which have been developing electric cars for the last number of years.

Through a partnership with US firm Wright Electric, EasyJet will aid the development of a larger version of the company’s current prototype.

The new plane is expected to be able to fly up to 35 miles, with popular EasyJet routes from London to places such as Paris and Amsterdam.

"We share an ambition with Wright Electric for a more sustainable aviation industry," CEO Carolyn McCall said.

"Just as we have seen with the automotive industry, the aviation industry will be looking to electric technology to reduce our impact on the environment."

McCall added that it was only a matter of time before electric aircraft become commonplace.

"For the first time in my career I can envisage a future without jet fuel and we are excited to be part of it,” she said. “It is now more a matter of when, not if, a short-haul electric plane will fly."

Wright Electric was only established last year, and said with the help of the UK carrier it would be able to “commercialise our aircraft for the large and growing short-haul flight markets.”