Electric airplanes intended for short-haul flights could become a reality in Europe in less than four years.

Projects for electric airplanes are advancing rapidly, and Europeans could fly with electric aircraft on popular routes starting in the 2030s.

Carlos López de la Osa, an aviation expert, emphasizes that electric flights are essential for sustainability. Electric airplanes could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and pollution, having the capacity to serve routes of up to 500 km, such as London-Dublin and Barcelona-Ibiza.

Start-ups like Vaeridion are developing electric airplanes with operating costs comparable to those of trains. Technological advances in batteries and electric motors are making electric aviation increasingly viable, and companies like Elysian Aircraft and Aura Aero are working on electric and hybrid airplanes.

However, the ecological impact of electric flights depends on the source of electricity used for charging and the emissions generated in battery production.

The European Commission proposes funding for the decarbonization of aviation, including the development of electric airplanes.