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Electric Aircraft Operations:

An Interisland Mobility Case Study

Article

This study focuses on the feasibility of electric aircraft operations between the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and CuraƧao. It explores the technical characteristics of two different future electric aircraft types (i.e., Alice and ES-19) and compares their operational requirements with those of three conventional types currently in operation in the region. Flight operations are investigated from the standpoint of battery performance, capacity, and consumption, while their operational viability is verified. In addition, the CO2 emissions of electric operations are calculated based on the present energy mix, revealing moderate improvements. The payload and capacity are also studied, revealing a feasible transition to the new types. The impact of the local climate is discussed for several critical components, while the required legislation for safe operations is explored. Moreover, the maintenance requirements and costs of electric aircraft are explored per component, while charging infrastructure in the hub airport of Aruba is proposed and discussed. Overall, this study offers a thorough overview of the opportunities and challenges that electric aircraft operations can offer within the context of this specific islandic topology.

Reference Apostolidis, A., Donckers, S., Peijnenburg, D., & Stamoulis, K. (2024). Electric Aircraft Operations: An Interisland Mobility Case Study. Aerospace, 11(3), Article 170. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11030170
Published by  Centre for Applied Research Technology 1 March 2024

Publication date

Mar 2024

Author(s)

Asteris Apostolidis
Stijn Donckers
Dave Peijnenburg

Publications:

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