The world's first pleasure flights in fully-electric aircraft have taken off from Norwich Airport.

Saxon Air made history on Wednesday, becoming the only company in the world to offer the public the chance to fly in a battery operated plane. 

Norwich Evening News: Michael Thick, Saxon Air beekeeper, cuts the ribbon to launch their new electric aircraft.Michael Thick, Saxon Air beekeeper, cuts the ribbon to launch their new electric aircraft. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Its new “Electrifying Experience Days” will take passengers up to 12,000 feet into the sky, for a flight over the Norfolk landscape, plus an opportunity to “fly” the plane in the company’s flight simulator.

Launching the attraction, Rebekah Hill, Saxon Air’s sustainability manager, said: "It’s such an exciting time for aviation, with advancements in new technologies like hydrogen and electrification. 

Norwich Evening News: The Saxon Air electric aircraft flying at Norwich Airport.The Saxon Air electric aircraft flying at Norwich Airport. (Image: Denise Bradley)

“The industry is going to look very different in five or 10 years’ time, and we’re lucky to be able to highlight the changing times, sharing the world’s first certified electric aircraft with the public, giving everyone a taste of the future of aviation.

“This launch represents a significant stride in Saxon Air's trajectory, emphasising our dedication to transforming the aviation landscape toward sustainability and innovation.”

Norwich Evening News: Saxon Air's new electric Pipistrel aircraft is launched. Saxon Air's new electric Pipistrel aircraft is launched. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Although not the first electric craft to take flight, the two-seater Pipistrel Velis Electro, owned by Bungay-based firm NEBOair, is the first to be fully certified by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

With a 57.6kw electric motor, which allows the high-winged aircraft to cruise at 98 knots, the super-lightweight plane gets its power from a 345 Volts D.C. system built around two liquid-cooled battery packs.

Norwich Evening News: Saxon Air at Norwich Airport.Saxon Air at Norwich Airport. (Image: Denise Bradley)

One of these batteries is located in the nose of the plane, and the second is behind the cabin.

In case of battery failure, the malfunctioning pack would be automatically disconnected from the system.

A single battery is capable of standalone operation and has enough power capability to support climbing and continuation of flight.