GlobalX (G6, Miami International) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Eviation (Arlington, WA) to take 50 all-electric commuter Alice aircraft. GlobalX says the still-in-development planes will open up new opportunities for network expansion in their key markets of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean while furthering the company's eco-friendly ambitions.
"Eviation's Alice aircraft is setting the standard in sustainable aviation, and we plan to offer the aircraft to our cruise line, tour operators, leisure travel providers, and business clients with a need for short-haul charter flights across Florida," said Ed Wegel, Chairman and CEO of GlobalX. "The Alice aircraft will allow us to offer sustainable, regional flights to and from major markets, and is the first step in our initiative to be a zero-carbon emissions airline by 2050."
GlobalX is an established US Part 121 flag and supplemental airline. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, it operates six A320-200s and a single A321-200 on ACMI, wet lease, and ad-hoc charter flights.
Based in Arlington, WA, Aviation Aircraft is eyeing introducing its nine-seat carbon-fiber, fly-by-wire, twin-motor, battery-enabled Alice aircraft as soon as 2023. The plane will be powered by rear-mounted magniX650 electric motors. In August, a prototype underwent ground tests at Lake Moses, WA, and its first test flight is reportedly imminent.
Alice, named after the Lewis Carroll character, is offered in cargo, commuter, and executive configurations with seating varying accordingly. The 57-foot-long aircraft will have a maximum cruising speed of 250 knots and be able to fly 440 nautical miles (815 kilometers) and carry payloads up to 2,500 pounds (1.14 tonnes).
"Charter travel is attractive to both individuals and groups as it offers flexibility, privacy and convenience. Alice represents a pioneering approach to making this type of aviation sustainable for generations to come," said Eviation President Gregory Davis.
Eviation says the aircraft is built from a clean-sheet design. The manufacturer points out the plane will produce zero carbon emissions, significantly reduce noise, and cost significantly less to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops. In August 2021, in Eviation's first Alice sale, DHL Express confirmed it was acquiring 12 of the planes with deliveries scheduled from 2024. In April 2022, Cape Air (9K, Hyannis) signed an LOI to buy 75 of the electric planes, however, a delivery timeline was not disclosed.
GlobalX says it expects to take delivery of its first Alice in 2027 and is looking at the cargo variant to support its cargo operations.
