Airbus and EasyJet to jointly study electric aircraft

EasyJet and Airbus have signed a MOU to jointly assess the potential of hybrid- and full-electric aircraft for short-haul flights across Europe. The research project's aim is to define what is needed for "large-scale introduction" of electric aircraft and how that would impact "infrastructure and everyday commercial aircraft operations", EasyJet indicates. CE Johan Lundgren states that by identifying the "detailed technical challenges and requirements" of operating hybrid- and full-electric aircraft, the budget carrier can "help shape the technology and airline networks of the future". He adds: "We hope this will be an important step towards making hybrid electric planes a reality.” In 2017, EasyJet disclosed a partnership with US start-up Wright Electric, which is working on an all-electric short-haul airliner. <br/>