Short-distance air travel appeared closer to reality as Daniel Saban of Zunum Aero showed designs of smaller battery-powered aircraft on the sidelines of Wings India-2018.
“By next year, we will have a prototype engine and by 2023, we plan to bring these aircraft to market,” said Mr. Saban as he presented a compelling case for a 12-seater aircraft powered by a hybrid series, which the company is developing in tandem with Boeing.
While smaller aircraft powered by batteries have been recently tested in Australia, the American company is angling the niche segment of short distance commercial flights in the 9-12 seater capacity.
“This will democratise air travel. People are comparing this with what Tesla has done for motoring. To me, it is more like what Ford did to motoring. The smaller aircraft deliver cost efficiency like nothing else. The acquisition cost is higher, but the operating costs are lower,” said Mr. Saban, who said the biggest challenge for the engineers has been managing the heat. “Weight is not the issue as the batteries will replace fuel tanks. But system heat is an issue and we are still figuring it out.,” he said.
A clutch of European and American companies are racing to build battery powered aircraft and have their sights set on a deadline that is end of next decade. But it is Boeing with its tech and marketing muscle that appears to be closer to gaming the market.
“We are working with the US regulator Federal Aviation Authority for clearances to develop the lighter battery powered aircraft that will revolutionise short-haul flights,” said Mr. Saban.
