Aviation history was made in Canada this morning as the world’s first electrically-powered commercial passenger aircraft flew a four-minute test flight at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) floatplane terminal.
Harbour Air President Greg McDougall was at the controls of the 63-year-old six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver floatplane powered by an advanced MagniX electric propulsion system.
“Today, we made history,” said Greg McDougall, CEO and founder of Harbour Air Seaplanes. “I am incredibly proud of Harbour Air’s leadership role in re-defining safety and innovation in the aviation and seaplane industry. Canada has long held an iconic role in the history of aviation, and to be part of this incredible world-first milestone is something we can all be really proud of.”
Earlier this year, Harbour Air announced its partnership with magniX and the company’s intention to build the world’s first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet.
The magni500, which was unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June, 2019, is a high-power-density electric propulsion system that provides a clean and efficient way to power airplanes.
Today that plan took flight and became a reality.