DHL Express has ordered 12 fully electric Alice eCargo aircraft from Eviation for delivery in 2024. The carrier will set up an unparalleled electric Express network as a pioneering step for the future of sustainable aviation.
Today (August 3, 2021), DHL Express announced the order of 12 fully electric Alice eCargo aircraft from Seattle area manufacturer Eviation. The aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2024, allowing DHL to set up a pioneering electric Express network as part of their commitment to a sustainable aviation future. Alice can be flown by a single pilot and has a cargo capacity of 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). The aircraft can be charged in 30 minutes or less for each hour of flight and has a range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nm). Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts, offering increased reliability and lower maintenance costs. The aircraft will be ideal for feeder routes, currently serviced with piston and turbojet aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft can be charged during loading and unloading to ensure quick turnaround times that maintain the tight schedules of DHL Express. Eviation expects to carry out Alice’s first flight by the end of this year.
In Tuesday’s announcement, DHL Express’ CEO, John Pearson, said,
“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.”
Also commenting on the aircraft order, DHL Express’ EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation, Travis Cobb, said,
“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 decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.”
Eviation’s CEO, Omer Bar-Yohay, added,
“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 Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to the decarbonization of operations and in investing €7.0 billion (OPEX and CAPEX) by 2030 in measures to reduce CO2 emissions, with a particular focus on the electrification of their last-mile delivery fleet, SAF and climate-neutral buildings.
Source: DHL Express
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