Elysian Aircraft is testing an electric aircraft for 90 passengers, with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers

Dutch start-up Elysian Aircraft has conducted the first test flights with a model of the E9X electric aircraft, a project designed to carry 90 passengers over distances of up to 1,000 kilometers. The tests took place in the Netherlands and represent an important step toward building the full-scale aircraft.

The remotely controlled demonstrator took off and landed without problems. Engineers will analyze the data collected, while the company continues working on the project near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The E9X is expected to have six engines, wings with a span of more than 50 meters, and folding wingtips so it can use existing airport infrastructure.

The biggest challenge is the weight of the batteries. The aircraft will include 40 battery packs, with a total weight of approximately 40 tonnes, integrated into the wing structure. The company estimates that the batteries could be recharged in 30–45 minutes, and that the aircraft could enter service as early as 2034.

According to Elysian, the aircraft could eliminate emissions from a significant share of short- and medium-haul flights and reduce costs per passenger. Meanwhile, at Teuge Airport, pilots are already being trained on small electric aircraft with a range of approximately 50 minutes.