Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Zero Emission Air Freight Arrives with All Electric Aircraft Order

First Planes to Have Realistic Payload Capability
Shipping News Feature

US – A decade or so ago the only place you might see any form of electric airborne vehicle would be a small drone in a public park or possibly a toy, remote controlled model plane. Now however the order from DHL Express for twelve fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Seattle based Eviation is a step change for such craft.

DHL says it plans to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024 as an initial move in establishing a zero emission fleet of aircraft. John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express commented:

“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics. Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions.

”Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

An Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilogrammes (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometres (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency. Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay explains his vision thus:

“From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft. Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”

The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure. The Alice can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express’ tight schedules. Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation for DHL Express enthused:

“My compliments to Eviation on the innovative development of the fully electric Alice aircraft. With Alice’s range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network. Our aspiration is to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For us and our customers, this is a very important step in our decarbonisation journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.”

With innovation, performance and sustainability serving as its North Star, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation’s Alice all-electric aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year. Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski said:

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing. With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

DHL says the decarbonisation of its operations is one of the main pillars of DPDHL Group’s new Sustainability roadmap announced in Q1 2021. The Group says it is investing a total of €7 billion (Opex and Capex) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go in particular towards electrification of last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings.

On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. For example, as part of the renowned Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.