Electric aircraft developer Eviation has received an order for 20 Alice all-electric, nine-seat commuter airplanes from the Australian airline and charter operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS), the Washington state-based manufacturer announced on November 10. 

NTAS is a family-owned and -operated airline coincidentally based in Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s Northern Territory. The company offers scheduled airline services and charter flights, as well as scenic aerial tours, air safari experiences, and cargo flights to remote areas across Australia. Its location in Alice Springs offers a convenient link for passengers of major airlines arriving at and departing from airports in Uluru and Mount Isa. 

“Australia is recognized around the world for its breathtaking scenery, and adopting carbon-free technologies is fundamental to preserving the environment for future generations,” said Ian Scheyer, CEO of NTAS. “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,” said 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.”

Eviation’s order book for its electric airplane is now worth more than $2 billion. In recent months, the company has signed letters of intent with several airlines around the world, including the German regional carrier Evia Aero, Massachusetts-based regional airline Cape Air, and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider Global Crossing Airlines Group, also known as GlobalX.

The all-electric Alice made its debut test flight over a desert area in Washington state in September, and Eviation expects the aircraft to enter service in 2027 when the company will also make its first deliveries. Initially, the Alice is expected to have a range of about 250 nautical miles, although the company has said it aims to achieve a longer range of about 440 nm when available battery technology improves. 

In addition to the nine-seat commuter model, Eviation is offering a cargo-carrying version of the Alice aircraft, which can transport loads of up to 2,600 pounds. The company also plans to provide an executive version of the Alice, with a more spacious and luxurious cabin that can seat six passengers.