Airbus is teaming up with fellow European manufacturers Rolls-Royce and Siemens to develop a hybrid electric plane, CNN reported.
As part of a project known as E-Fan X, the trio aims to trial a modified 100-seat BAe146 regional aircraft by 2020 in hopes of debuting the technology on commercial flights as soon as 2025.
Initially, the companies plan to swap one of the plane's four engines out for a two-megawatt electric motor. They could add another electric motor to the mix if the first trial is a success.
Airbus has been tasked with integrating the engines with flight controls while Rolls-Royce will construct the turbo-shaft engine, two-megawatt generator and power electronics. Finally, Siemens will develop the power distribution network.
"The E-Fan X is an important next step in our goal of making electric flight a reality in the foreseeable future," said Airbus' chief technology officer, Paul Eremenko.
The announcement comes two months after budget British airline EasyJet revealed plans to develop engines that rely on electric batteries rather than fossil fuels.
Airbus rival Boeing and JetBlue have also invested in hybrid technology, recently partnering with startup Zunum Aero in hopes of developing more efficient aircraft in the next decade.
As CNN points out, fuel continues to be a major cost for airlines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects carriers around the world will spend $129 billion on fuel in 2017. In addition to reducing costs, hybrid technology could have a sizable impact on reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
Recently, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have taken steps to help the airline industry become greener.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
