Canada’s Harbour Air said last week that it wants to convert its entire fleet of seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet through a partnership with a U.S. company. The airline plans to use a 750-hp all electric motor being created by Redmond, Washington-based magni500 to convert its DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver, a six-passenger commercial aircraft used across Harbour Air’s route network.
Greg McDougall, founder and CEO of Harbour Air Seaplanes said, “ … we are once again pushing the boundaries of aviation by becoming the first commercial aircraft to be powered by electric propulsion. We are excited to bring commercial electric aviation to the Pacific Northwest, turning our seaplanes into ePlanes.”
By modifying existing Harbour Air aircraft with all-electric magniX propulsion systems, the newly created partnership will create the world’s first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet. A Harbour Air ePlane will have zero reliance on fossil fuels and produce zero emissions – a significant step forward in the innovation and advancement of the airline industry. This partnership follows significant milestones for both companies, including the successful testing of magniX’s 350 hp all-electric motor.
Harbour Air and magniX expect to conduct first flight tests of the all-electric aircraft in late 2019. Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline and carries more than 500,000 passengers on 30,000 commercial flights annually between hubs like Seattle and Vancouver.
