'Green airline' Ecojet buys 70 electric aircraft engines

The UK's first all-electric airline has signed a deal for 70 new aircraft engines, which it claims will fly with zero carbon emissions. Ecojet was started in July by Dale Vince, an entrepreneur who founded the renewable energy firm Ecotricity in Stroud. He aimed to offer zero emission flights by 2026, subject to approval from aviation regulators. Vince said: "We don't have to give up flying to live a green lifestyle." The hydrogen-electric engines are made by ZeroAvia, a new firm which is testing the technology at the Cotswold Airport, near Kemble in Gloucestershire. They work by using hydrogen to generate electricity in the air, which then powers propellers to fly the aircraft. So far, 10 successful test flights have been carried out by a small aircraft, which could carry up to 20 passengers. The only emission from the aircraft itself is water. But scientists have pointed out that making hydrogen itself can create carbon emissions, unless renewable electricity is used. Nonetheless, the company is claiming their technology would enable "zero emission flying". Ecojet is leasing conventional small aircraft, which carry up to 20 passengers, initially fuelled by kerosene.<br/>