Cape Air To Buy Electric Planes

Cape Air has announced that it intends to purchase 75 all-electric planes that will eventually replace the Cessna 402s that transport commuters and other travelers to Nantucket.

The Alice commuter aircraft, built by the Arlington, Washington-based company Eviation, is designed for nine passengers and two crew members. The company says it will fly 440 nautical miles on a single charge, with a maximum cruising speed of 250 knots, or 287 mph. Eviation claims the Alice will be capable of operating in all environments currently serviced by traditional piston and turbine aircraft.

There's no date yet for when the electric Alice commuter aircraft will be integrated into Cape Air's fleet. The Alice has still not performed in a flight test - which Eviation expects to happen this summer - and certification would only begin sometime after 2024. But the notice of intent to purchase the planes has been signed, and Cape Air officials told the Current that the Alice aircraft will eventually be the designated planes for the airline's Nantucket route.

"Cape Air remains committed to sustainability, growth, and innovation, and our partnership with Eviation allows for these commitments to become a reality," said Cape Air President and CEO Linda Markham in a statement. "Our customers will be at the forefront of aviation history and our communities will benefit from emission-free travel."

Once the Alice aircraft are integrated into Cape Air's fleet and the pilots are trained on the new planes, it is "absolutely the plan" to have them serve Nantucket, said Erin Hatzell, Cape Air's managing director for marketing and public relations.

"They're the replacement aircraft for the Cessna 402s," Hatzell told the Current. "They're a perfect fit for the short-haul flying we do, the island hopping and short jaunts. They're the same as our current model with nine passengers and two pilots."

Cape Air had expressed interest in working with Eviation back in 2019, but Hatzell said last Friday's announcement that a letter of intent had been executed marked the next step in the process.

"We're very excited," Hatzell added. "We know this is a pivotal time in aviation and our commitment to sustainability, and this is going to be a really great fit for us."

For Eviation, it marks the first large order for the passenger version of its electric aircraft.

"Deploying a fleet of all-electric Alice aircraft will significantly reduce carbon emissions, as well as maintenance and operational costs for the airline, and provide a smoother and quieter flight experience for passengers," Eviation said in its announcement of the deal with Cape Air.