10 Electric Aircraft That Could Replace Short-Haul Flights

Heart Aerospace ES-30

The ES-30 is a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed for short routes and lower-emission travel. It is expected to carry up to 30 passengers and operate on electric power for shorter journeys, with additional range supported by hybrid technology. Its regional focus makes it particularly relevant for replacing conventional flights between nearby cities where larger aircraft are inefficient.

Eviation Alice

Eviation’s Alice is an all-electric commuter aircraft designed to carry up to nine passengers. Its battery-powered propulsion system targets short regional routes while producing no direct carbon emissions during flight. The aircraft has attracted attention as one of the most recognizable electric aviation projects, although battery technology, certification and commercial deployment remain important challenges before widespread passenger service.

BETA Technologies ALIA

BETA Technologies is developing ALIA as an electric aircraft platform for both passenger and cargo operations. The aircraft is designed for regional missions and can support vertical or conventional takeoff configurations depending on the version. Its combination of electric propulsion and flexible operating capabilities could make it useful for short-distance travel, particularly where conventional airport infrastructure presents limitations.

Electra eSTOL

Electra’s eSTOL aircraft uses distributed electric propulsion and blown-lift technology to achieve extremely short takeoffs and landings. Designed for regional passenger and cargo operations, it aims to connect smaller communities without requiring traditional long runways. The aircraft’s ability to operate from compact airfields could create new short-haul routes while reducing dependence on larger, congested airports.

Aura Aero ERA

Aura Aero’s ERA is a proposed hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to carry passengers on short-distance routes. The aircraft is expected to combine electric propulsion with conventional energy sources to extend its operating range beyond what current battery technology allows. Its development reflects a broader industry strategy: use electrification where batteries are practical while retaining additional power for longer regional missions.

Wright Electric Wright 1

Wright Electric is developing aircraft technologies aimed at eventually supporting larger electric commercial planes. Its Wright 1 concept has been envisioned for regional and short-haul operations, with the company focusing on high-power electric propulsion systems. If battery and motor technology progresses sufficiently, aircraft based on this approach could help airlines electrify routes that currently rely on conventional narrow-body aircraft.

Bye Aerospace eFlyer

Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer family focuses on electric aviation for training, general aviation and regional applications. The aircraft use electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and local emissions. While smaller than many commercial passenger aircraft, the eFlyer demonstrates how electrification can begin with lower-capacity aircraft before expanding toward larger regional planes as battery technology and aviation certification continue advancing.

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