Australia-based scheduled airline and charter aircraft operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS) has signed a letter of intent (LoI) for 20 Alice commuter aircraft from all-electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation Aircraft. The Alice will empower NTAS to sustainably serve its customers in remote areas of Australia through the enhanced provision of point-to-point air transport.

The Eviation Alice is the first flight-proven all-electric commuter aircraft of its scale, capable of carrying nine passengers, or 2,600 lbs of useful load in a cargo configuration. Built from a clean-sheet design around magniX's electric propulsion system, Alice produces zero carbon emissions and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops, thereby providing the opportunity to activate more routes. Alice will typically operate flights ranging from 150 miles to 250 miles.

NTAS is based in Alice Springs, the gateway to the Northern Territory of Australia's outback, providing a link to major airlines for passengers arriving and departing from Alice Springs, Uluru and Mount Isa airports. It specialises in scheduled and charter air services for business groups, private and tourist travel, and cargo transport. The company has prioritised the adoption of carbon-free and sustainable technologies and is working with a range of stakeholders to support the introduction of all-electric flight.

"Australia is recognised around the world for its breathtaking scenery, and adopting carbon-free technologies is fundamental to preserving the environment for future generations," says NTAS CEO Ian Scheyer. "Eviation's all-electric Alice aircraft provides us with the opportunity to chart a sustainable path forward in connecting communities across the country. With the adoption of electric aviation, we will be able to provide cost-effective and convenient passenger and cargo flights across the outback."

"We value the forward-looking approach NTAS is taking to electrifying both passenger and freight transport services as well as promoting green tourism," says Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis. "The introduction of sustainable technology to meet the needs of NTAS and its customers demonstrates the versatility of electric aviation and the ubiquitous opportunities for positive transformation through emissions-free regional air travel. With world leaders currently meeting at the COP27 climate summit, I can think of no better time to highlight the power of this technology to help communities and the planet."

"Electric aviation will transform the way that people and goods move throughout Australia," adds Eviation vice president, commercial sales Eddie Jaisaree. "Together, we are bringing the convenience of air travel to communities that have not traditionally benefited from flight connectivity, in a sustainable and affordable way."