Despite challenges to overcome like passenger perceptions around safety and the weight of batteries, aviation insiders believe Australians may be flying short distances on electric planes by 2024.
"I think it's just a matter of educating people about the benefits of the new system … and then once we get started, it'll be okay."But Mr Tonkin said ideally a new aircraft would be specifically designed and built around the new propulsion system.Battery weight a hurdle"The problem with electric operations in aircraft is that they basically rely on batteries, and batteries are heavy," he said.
"But on smaller, shorter sectors, it is going to be possible quite soon … within the next two to five years, to have aircraft that can operate short haul on electric power."Mr Harbison said the technology would also allow other companies to operate flights using smaller planes and transport up to half a dozen passengers.
He believed heavy safety regulations in aviation would allay passengers' fears about electric technology being used in the air. "You can be absolutely assured that nothing is going to be flying people around that has not been vetted incredibly thoroughly," Mr Harbison said."And of course, we're not alone in this in the world. There are lots and lots — some very, very big — companies working on this at the moment because they recognise that this is the future."Local news direct to your inbox
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