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Airbus' all-electric aircraft completes English Channel crossing

Xinhua, July 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Airbus Group's E-Fan technology demonstrator became the world's first all-electric two-engine aircraft taking off by its own power to successfully cross the English Channel on Friday, said Airbus Group in a press release.

The E-Fan's flight of 74 km between Lydd, England, and Calais, France was completed in 36 minutes, according to the press release.

According to Airbus Group, the E-Fan, who weighs around 600 kg, is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which offer an increased battery capacity of 60 percent compared to the aircraft's original configuration.

"We continue to embody the spirit of innovation and tackle technical challenges," said Jean Botti, Chief Technical Officer of Airbus Group.

Construction is expected to begin in 2016, with the facility ready to initiate E-Fan 2.0 series production the following year, enabling the aircraft's commercialization in late 2017, added Airbus Group. Endit