MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) — A prototype, all-electric airplane
took its first flight Tuesday morning in central Washington
state.

The Seattle Times reports that if the Federal Aviation
Administration eventually certifies the small airplane to
carry passengers, it could become the first all-electric
commercial airplane.

The plane, built by startup Eviation, was built to carry nine
passengers and up two pilots. It took off from Moses Lake,
Washington, at 7:10 a.m. Tuesday, and landed eight minutes
later.

The company’s goal is to show such electric planes are viable
as commuter aircraft flying at an altitude of about 15,000 feet.