The world in the midst of the #covid-19 #pandemic received great news for not only the future of #sustainable #travel but for the #aviation sector.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-52856887/world-s-largest-all-electric-plane-takes-flight
The introduction to the world of a modified Cessna aircraft that can run solely on battery power instead of the traditional combustion engine, was truly a great leap forward. Also, at a time when the aviation industry has been ground nearly to a halt and economic ruin, the successful test brought economic benefits.
Brought to us by the magniX all-electric aviation specialists in the US backed by Singaporean investers, took flight in what has been dubbed "Cessna 208B Grand Caravan", has given society confirmation that many short distance flights under 500 km could be executed more sustainably.
For a vast country like #Namibia that is vast (825 000 square Kilometres) and currently utilises some 70% of its imported energy supplies on transport, this could be a game changer. Coupled with the savings identified PV Magazine that pointed out that the 160km test #flight used less than US$6 worth of electricity compared to a Cessna Caravan powered by a conventional combustion engine which would have consumed US$300-400 worth of fossil fuel.
These sort of #efficiency levels in terms of reduced #fossil fuel (that is imported) and cost (that impacts pricing tariffs for fares), then this can be what Namibia needs to improve its #transport and definitely, its tourism product. Added to this, the already well known #solar potential could make it a match "made in heaven".
The Conversation continues: www.rdjconsulting.co.za
https://www.euronews.com/living/2020/06/01/world-s-largest-all-electric-plane-generates-zero-carbon-emissions