The last couple of years has felt like a major setback for both travelers' ambitions and the aviation industry overall. Analyst projections determine 2025 to be the year of full market recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Yet behind the scenes, progress is being made in many different ways as Covid presented us with time to take a step back and reflect.

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Photo: Cape Air

Now in its 33rd year, Cape Air, the Massachusetts-based airline that has a strong presence in the Caribbean, is no different, bringing exciting news for the future. Cape is going green by signing a letter of intent to purchase 75 all-electric Eviation Alice commuter aircraft, meaning the longtime regional carrier will become the Caribbean’s first electric airline.

Currently, the airline operates a fleet of small propeller-powered aircraft, the majority of which are twin-turbine Cessna 402's along with a handful of medium-sized aircraft from Tecnam and Britten-Norman, perfect for island hopping. The Alice is also prop-powered and will fit well with the current fleet. After all, with popularity strong, classic Cessna designs haven't changed all that much since their inception.

Eviation Green Promise

Eviation was founded in 2015 by Omer Bar-Yohay, Omri Regev and Aviv Tzidon. Risk-sharing partnerships enabled Eviation's model Alice to get off the ground. Alice is the world’s first fully-electric aircraft, with a range of up to 440 nautical miles on a single charge and a top speed of 250 knots whilst accommodating up to nine passengers and two crew. Currently under development, its design incorporates 95% composite materials, is powered by two electric motors, and has a T-shaped tail.

Alice Interior
Alice is being designed with a cruise speed of 220 kts, a take-off field length of 2,600 ft, and a service ceiling of 32,000 ft. Photo: Eviation

Jessica Pruss, Vice President of Sales at Eviation, commented on the deal saying,

“Truly sustainable aviation not only reduces the impact of air travel on the environment but also makes business sense. We are proud to support Cape Air, a recognized leader in regional air travel, to chart a new path in delivering innovative solutions that benefit airline operators, passengers, communities and society.”

With this engagement, Cape Air aims to set up an unparalleled regional electric fleet, taking a pioneering step into the sustainable era of aviation. Let's hope others follow suit.

Cape in the Caribbean

Cape Air flies more than 400 regional flights a day to nearly 40 cities in the Northeast, Midwest, Montana, and the tropics of the Caribbean. Cape Air’s Caribbean network includes destinations like St Thomas, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St Croix, Culebra and Vieques. Deploying a fleet of all-electric Alice aircraft will reduce operational costs for the airline in turn providing a more affordable, smoother, and quieter flight experience for passengers.

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Photo: Cape Air

Cape Air President and CEO Linda Markham spoke about the agreement, saying,

“Our customers will be at the forefront of aviation history and our communities will benefit from emission-free travel. Cape Air has always maintained a deep commitment to social responsibility. As an early supporter of all-electric air travel, we are dedicated to leading the industry towards a sustainable future.”

Other sustainable moves have been made in the Caribbean, notably from luxury airline Tradewind Aviation which earlier launched the region’s first-ever carbon offset program, covering the cost of 100 percent of the airline’s carbon emissions.

What do you think of Eviation Alice technology? Do you have any thoughts on Cape Air's transition to electric? Are you excited for the future of aviation? Let us know what you think of the agreement and what it means for the industry in the comments section.