An electric-powered plane from American manufacturer Beta Technologies landed at Copenhagen Airport on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the development of emission-free aviation. The landing, which featured a heart drawn under the plane as a gesture of goodwill to Europe, was met with enthusiasm from both airport officials and the Danish Minister of Transport.

Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen hailed the electric plane as a “potentially small revolution” for travel in Denmark, emphasizing the significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional aircraft. According to Danielsen, the hourly charging rate for the electric aircraft is approximately $17, while the fuel cost for a conventional aircraft is around $350.

The plane had previously journeyed through Europe, with its last stop being in Sønderborg, Denmark. From there, it flew 200 kilometers to Copenhagen before heading to Norway for test flights between Stavanger and Bergen. Norway is further ahead in investing in emission-free aircraft.

Copenhagen Airport CEO Christian Poulsen expressed excitement about the arrival, envisioning a future where larger electric planes with up to 60 seats become a reality. He stated that he has “looked into the future” because of this event.

While the government’s green aviation plan from 2023 does not currently include specific provisions for electric aircraft, Danielsen indicated that they would be considered in future iterations. The government, along with SF and Enhedslisten, aims to establish a domestic route with an aircraft exclusively using green fuel by 2025 and transition all domestic flights to sustainable fuel by 2030.

Beta Technologies envisions various applications for its electric aircraft, including logistics, freight solutions, and medical transport. Shawn Hall, the company’s chief revenue officer, mentioned UPS as a potential customer for freight and medical facilities for patient transport. The current version of the aircraft can transport over 560 kilos of goods, and the passenger version will accommodate luggage such as golf equipment and skis.

The arrival of the electric plane symbolizes the shared ambition among allies in the fight against emissions. While challenges remain in obtaining the necessary permits for green fuel flights, the event represents a step forward in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.