B.C.-based Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, and Washington-based magniX, a company powering the electric aviation revolution, have formed a partnership to transform Harbour Air’s seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet powered by the magni500, a 750-horsepower all-electric motor.
Operating 12 routes between hubs such as Vancouver and Seattle and across the pristine natural wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, Harbour Air welcomes more than 500,000 passengers on 30,000 commercial flights each year. Through this partnership, both companies are furthering the vision to someday connect communities with clean, efficient and affordable electric air travel.
The aviation industry currently contributes 12 per cent of all U.S. carbon emissions and 4.9 per cent globally, all while providing few low-cost, fuel-efficient options for passenger flights under 1,600 kilometres.
By modifying existing Harbour Air planes with all-electric magniX propulsion systems, the 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.
The first aircraft to be converted will be the DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver, a six-passenger commercial aircraft used across Harbour Air’s route network.
Harbour Air and magniX expect to conduct first flight tests of the all-electric aircraft in late 2019.
This partnership follows significant milestones for both companies, including the successful testing of magniX’s 350-horsepower all-electric motor and the addition of a Vancouver to Seattle route in Harbour Air’s destination roster.
