The 18 training flights, which were operated between Lelystad Airport and Schiphol-Oost over the course of two days, offered KLM unique insight into the entire system of electric flight logistics and the challenges it presents
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, joined hands with Electric Flying Connection (EFC), a trade association, to bring a unique opportunity for a select group of its guests to experience the future of flying.
According to a press statement, the 18 guests received a trial electric flying lesson aboard a Pipistrel Velis Electro, supervised by instructors from the E-Flight Academy. The 18 training flights, which were operated between Lelystad Airport and Schiphol-Oost over the course of two days, offered KLM unique insight into the entire system of electric flight logistics and the challenges it presents.
Jolanda Stevens
“To make air transport more sustainable, we have to test new technologies and innovations in practice. The things we do today on a small scale with the resources we have now, may prove to be important drivers of scalability in these applications in the future,” says Jolanda Stevens, program manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM.
“This unique event aims to give all relevant stakeholders an opportunity to experience electric flight and what this innovation could mean for them in practical terms. We are pleased that KLM has joined us in taking this step. We already have plans for future, Benelux-wide editions of this event,” says Jurjen de Jong, chairman of EFC.
The statement adds that Schiphol was a logical starting point because it is KLM’s home base. As the range of the Pipistrel is limited, only four destination airports were possible options. Lelystad Airport was chosen because it is easily accessible, with excellent recharging facilities, top-notch runways, and a fully functioning air traffic control centre, it adds.
Jurjen de Jong
KLM has partnered with EFC and the E-Flight Academy to acquire knowledge about electric flight and to ascertain what impact this technology will have on KLM’s logistics and infrastructure needs.
“Electric flight will also affect flight handling. Electric aircraft have to be recharged, which takes time, and we will need to cooperate with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Air Traffic Control the Netherlands to ensure that this mode of flying is not only safe, but also provided with the correct power supply. This two-day event has helped us gain more insight into such matters,” says Stevens.
The statement adds that the Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first and only certified electric aircraft. The two-seater plane has a flight range of 50 minutes, along with 10 minutes of reserve. This means it will not play a part in serving KLM’s network of destinations. However, KLM is researching how electric flight may be incorporated into future operations.
Various market experts predict that by 2035 there may be an electric aircraft that can carry 50 to 100 passengers, with a range of 90 minutes or a distance of between 400-750 km. The batteries required for such flights are heavy, which is why it would be unrealistic to develop larger aircraft for longer routes, such as between Amsterdam and New York.
“Looking at the future of zero-emission flights, KLM is backing different technologies and innovations simultaneously. With our sector partners at home and abroad, we’re researching flights powered by electricity, hydrogen and hybrid forms, and assessing how these developments can be accelerated,” adds Stevens.
