Version 1
: Received: 1 November 2024 / Approved: 1 November 2024 / Online: 1 November 2024 (18:57:29 CET)
How to cite:
Goodge, K.; Withey, P. An Analysis of Direct Operating Costs for the Wright Spirit Electric Aircraft. Preprints2024, 2024110116. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0116.v1
Goodge, K.; Withey, P. An Analysis of Direct Operating Costs for the Wright Spirit Electric Aircraft. Preprints 2024, 2024110116. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0116.v1
Goodge, K.; Withey, P. An Analysis of Direct Operating Costs for the Wright Spirit Electric Aircraft. Preprints2024, 2024110116. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0116.v1
APA Style
Goodge, K., & Withey, P. (2024). An Analysis of Direct Operating Costs for the Wright Spirit Electric Aircraft. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0116.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Goodge, K. and Paul Withey. 2024 "An Analysis of Direct Operating Costs for the Wright Spirit Electric Aircraft" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0116.v1
Abstract
Global warming and CO₂ emissions have become increasingly pressing concerns, with the aviation industry contributing significantly to these issues. In response, efforts have been made to develop environmentally sustainable aviation solutions. This paper examines the Direct Operating Costs (DOC) of the Wright Spirit, one of the options for electric flight, compared to the conventional BAe 146 on which the Wright Spirit is based. Utilizing methodologies adapted from previous studies (largely the AEA method), the analysis investigates various factors influencing DOC, including battery prices, flight duration, and charging time. Results indicate a 73% increase in overall DOC from the BAe 146 to the Wright Spirit, largely influenced by battery costs and lifespan. However, an 83% reduction in fuel/energy costs suggests the potential viability of the Wright Spirit, particularly with anticipated reductions in battery prices. For instance, a quartering of battery prices could result in a £5 increase in costs for 1-hour flights, compared to the BAe 146. Moreover, the analysis finds the battery lifespan and charging time to be the most important factors to control, in order to increase commercial feasibility. Ticket price comparisons suggest that the Wright Spirit's costs align closely with current market prices, with a flight from Paris to Heathrow predicted to cost the airline £136.10 per passenger. Future research could explore alternative electric aircraft designs, to further assess their impact on DOC and ticket prices.
Keywords
Electrification; Direct Operating Cost; Passenger ticket price; Battery life cycle
Subject
Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
