The airline's venture fund announced that it, along with
The ES-19 is a 19-seat electric aircraft with the capability of flying customers up to 250 miles before the end of the decade.
"Breakthrough
United said that the ES-19 will have "zero operational emissions" by utilizing electric motors instead of jet engines and batteries instead of jet fuel.
Once operational it will also be able to operate on more than 100 of United's regional routes and out of most of its hubs including
The acquisition will also help United in "deepening its bold commitment" to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050.
Last month, United made its largest aircraft order in its history, ordering 200
The airline said the new planes will lead to a 75% increase in premium seats on North American routes and a 30% increase in available seats on domestic flights and that it expects to hire about 25,000 employees to work on the new planes.
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