The long-awaited start to Alice's flight test campaign last just eight minutes, but the day also brought significant news about reduced range expectations and more time needed to complete type certification.
The battery-electric model is intended to carry up to nine passengers on flights of around 500 miles, and the manufacturer now aims for it to enter commercial service in 2026.
Eviation announced on September 15 that GlobalX has signed a letter of intent to buy 50 of the all-electric Alice commuter aircraft, with the first deliveries expected in 2027.
The former Boeing executive has played a prominent role in the development of electric propulsion technology to convert existing aircraft and power new designs.
With ground testing far advanced, Eviation expects the Alice to start its flight test campaign from its new headquarters in Washington state by the end of 2021.
Eviation Aircraft has significantly redesigned its 11-seat all-electric Alice, with a new T-shaped tail and its MagniX electric propulsion units relocated.