Aerolease plans to add up to 50 all-electric Alice aircraft under a letter of intent signed with Eviation Aircraft on Tuesday. The Miami-based group plans to offer the nine-passenger model under finance and leasing terms to operators.
Eviation launched the Alice program at the 2019 Paris Air Show, but the fixed-wing aircraft has undergone a fundamental redesign since then. In September 2022, the U.S. company made a short first flight at Moses Lake in Washington state but has not flown it since and now says it intends to start certification testing in 2025 as it aims to start deliveries in 2027.
The Alice would fly to a standard range of around 250 nm on a single electric charge, and Eviation believes range could increase to 440 nm when improved batteries become available. Sister company MagniX provides the electric propulsion system.
Eviation plans to offer an “executive” six-seater version of the aircraft, as well as a freighter with a 2,600-pound payload. Initial type certification will be under FAA Part 23 rules.
“We work with major airlines around the world, and we know from many conversations that sustainability is a major concern,” said Aerolease managing partner Jep Thornton. “New projects that address sustainability are key to our future strategy and we are excited to be working with Eviation to offer our global customers a zero-emissions solution that is good for the planet and provides an exciting means of opening up new regional routes.”
According to Eviation CEO Gregory Davis, the value of provisional sales commitments logged so far for the Alice totals $4 billion. For Aerolease, the intended purchase of an electric aircraft represents a departure from its core portfolio, which so far has consisted of cargo conversions of aging passenger airliners, including the DC-8, the Airbus A300B4, and the Boeing 757.