EasyJet forecasts a series of technological milestones in 2018

EasyJet has forecast reaching a number of key milestones in technological initiatives over the next 12 months.

Half of easyJet’s fleet is now A320 aircraft following a programme of up-gauging from 150-seat A319s to the larger aircraft, which have up to 186 seats, as well as a number of aircraft acquired which were previously operated by Air Berlin. By spring, the airline’s entire fleet will surpass 300 aircraft.

The airline will take delivery of its first A321neo in July, which will contribute towards easyJet’s initiative to decarbonise and quieten aviation. Further deliveries in 2018 will bring the number of neo aircraft in the fleet to 28 by the end of the year which provide 15% savings in CO2 emissions and a 50% reduction in noise compared to the aircraft they replace.

easyJet will continue to showcase the neo aircraft and its innovative environmental and cost efficient features at roadshows at the airline’s bases around the UK and Europe. Having already exhibited the aircraft in Amsterdam, the airline will also visit London Gatwick, Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Liverpool; Barcelona, Geneva, Milan Malpensa and Paris Orly.

easyJet will also continue to work alongside US-based start-up and electric aircraft pioneer Wright Electric on their development of an all-electric commercial aircraft and expects to launch the first flight of a hybrid nine seat aircraft within the next 12 months.

A new video produced by Wright Electric shows the progress of this pioneering project, demonstrating contra-rotating propeller technology which is one of the innovations driving Wright Electric’s development of electric aviation. This concept was invented over a century ago and is a more efficient means of propulsion. Electric motors will be able to deliver this more easily than jet engines and it will be a crucial element of Wright Electric’s all-electric passenger aircraft.