Sydney Seaplanes is leading the way in sustainability – seeking regulatory approval in a bid to become the world’s first fully-electric nil-emissions airline.
Sydney Seaplanes has agreed a world-first partnership with leading electric aircraft engine maker, magniX, and will now seek regulatory approval to commence commercial flights from Sydney’s Rose Bay, at the site where Australia’s first substantial commercial aviation first began, to Palm Beach and beyond.
Sydney Seaplanes CEO Aaron Shaw said: “We are extremely excited to be the first Australian airline to seek regulatory approval to commence fully electric, nil-emissions commercial flights.
“Combined with our commitment to use solar technology in our charging facilities, this puts us in a very strong position to become the world’s first fully-electric nil-emissions airline, subject to the speed of regulatory approvals.
“That Australia’s, and potentially the world’s, first fully electric nil emissions airline will be based at Australia’s very first commercial airport at Rose Bay has a beautiful synchronicity to it,” said Aaron.
magniX is the only company globally that has powered and tested two all-electric magnified aircraft. magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski said: “This is another terrific milestone for the electric aviation revolution and one that magniX is thrilled to be a part of as the industry continues to innovate rapidly.”
Sydney Seaplanes will now commence the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA’s) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program by first converting its 12-seat Cessna Caravan to be the first all-electric aircraft certified in Australia to fly commercially.
On approval, Sydney Seaplanes will begin Australia’s, and potentially the world’s, first commercial flight route from Sydney Harbour’s Rose Bay to Palm Beach and will then commerce converting the remainder of its fleet.
Mr Shaw said: “After more than a decade of flying thousands of passengers over stunning views around the Sydney Harbour, we’re delighted to take our next step into the future of flight.
“Electric technology has the potential to completely transform aviation. The environmental benefits are clear, with nil-emissions travel already technically possible on shorter journeys and with the exponential improvement in battery technologies range will continue to increase. This will enable us to expand our electric services to other New South Wales and ACT destinations, including Canberra.”
Aaron Shaw, Sydney Seaplanes CEO
“Electric planes are also 75% quieter, which makes for a more pleasant flight experience and less noise on the ground, something we’re especially passionate about given the beautiful places we fly between.
The initiative also involves a third partner, Dante Aeronautical, the leading developer and integrator of electric and hybrid new aviation concepts in Australia and Spain.
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