It will feature high aspect ratio wings for energy efficient flight, distributed electric aircraft propulsion and swappable battery packs with advanced cell chemistry. The 10-person Los Angeles based startup was founded in 2016 and has received venture capital from Silicon Valley accelerator Y Combinator and others. Jetex, a Dubai fixed-base operator with 30 bases, invested in the company in May 2018.

Wright Electric has built a two-seat proof-of-concept with 272kg (600lb) of batteries. 291 nautical mile (540km) range would be good for 20% of Easyjet routes. There are many short-haul flights in the UK.

Wright Electric plans to develop a 10-seater and eventually an at least 120 passengers single-aisle, short-haul airliner and targets 50% lower noise and 10% lower costs.