Wright Electric this week announced the launch of the Wright Spirit. The Los Angeles-based startup is looking to bring in the first zero-emissions regional airliner with this program. Ultimately, the firm is looking to have a full-electric aircraft in the air by 2026.
Old meets new
Formed in 2016 with a team of ten people, Wright Electric has been making significant strides in electric aviation. The company highlights that the Wright Spirit’s design builds on the BAe 146, a 100-seater produced by British Aerospace, later part of BAE Systems.
The BAe 146 was built between 1983 and 2001. Moreover, a more advanced edition was manufactured by Avro International Aerospace from 1992.
Wright Electric has been busy across the board, especially with the program related to its all-electric 186-seater, Wright 1. This single-aisle plane is being launched for carriers on routes that cover up to 700 NM (1,290 km). Overall, the American startup is keen to provide zero-carbon operations, low fuel costs, and quiet and quick takeoffs with this aircraft.
The firm has made great progress over the last few years due to the development of its propulsion system for an all-electric commercial plane. Components include “a high-efficiency, high-power-density inverter and a 2 MW (2,700 HP) motor.” Notably, Wright’s all-electric propulsion system will take place of the existing hydrocarbon-based propulsion one.
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The market segment
When it comes to the Wright Spirit, Wright Electric is looking to concentrate on one-hour flights. Routes such as London-Paris, Seoul-Jeju, Rio de Janeiro-São Paulo, and San Francisco-Los Angeles are all suitors.
“Aviation has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but Wright is committed to a 100% reduction in all emissions starting in 2026,” shared Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright, in a company statement.
“Because we built the world’s largest aerospace propulsive powertrain, we can build the world’s largest zero-emissions retrofit directly serving the world’s busiest routes.”
Short-range electric aircraft such as this could also open up additional opportunities across the aviation spectrum. Manufacturers and airlines have emphasized that there are several underutilized airfields that can be used to connect passengers regionally with these planes. For instance, people heading to a county in the UK without a major airport can efficiently travel to their destination without having to depart from a major city. All in all, airline networks could be revamped in the next generation.
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The right backing
Wright Electric already has influential fans in the market. For instance, Viva Aerobus CEO Juan Carlos Zuazua shared how ecstatic his airline is to back the development of the Wright Spirit as a member of its advisory board. The Mexican carrier is looking forward to working alongside Wright to help deliver zero-emission flight.
easyJet is another major name communicating closely with the company. The British low-cost carrier is mulling over electric and hydrogen aircraft for the future, and since 2017, its leadership has been meeting with Wright about options.
Overall, it’s great that a legendary BAe 146 is having an impact on the future of aviation. The four-engine plane conducted its first flight 40 years ago but will help shape the course of the market this decade.
What are your thoughts about the Wright Spirit project? What do you make of its prospects in the aviation industry? Let us know what you think of the overall program in the comment section.
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