The first-ever fully electric plane “Alice” from Eviation Aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight at Moses Lake, Washington, USA. Alice lifted off Sept. 27 at 7:10 am local time from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for a total of eight minutes and reaching an altitude of 3,500 feet. 

DHL Express is Eviation’s first cargo customer, with an order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes to be delivered in 2025. With this acquisition, which we announced last year, DHL aims to establish the first electric express network, leading the way for a new era of zero-emissions air freight. 

“Our compliments to Eviation on the successful first flight of Alice! Completing its maiden flight confirms our belief that the era of sustainable aviation is here,” said John Pearson, chief executive officer of DHL Express. “With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of net-zero emissions logistics.” Pearson said Alice’s range and capacity makes it a unique sustainable solution for DHL’s global aviation network, supporting the company’s aspiration to make a substantial contribution in reducing its carbon footprint and ultimately, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The company has also invested millions in recent years electrifying its ground fleet in the Americas. DHL said this is part of a series of efforts and investments by the company to operate more sustainably.