Airbus flew its electric plane across the English Channel for the first time on 10th July 2015. Amid fanfare, European planemaker Airbus flew its E-fan plane from Lydd, England, to the French port of Calais.The plane operates exclusively on batteries, and since there’s no oil or water, the 20-foot long, 1300-pound jet releases zero emissions.

He reached a speed of 150 kilometers (90 miles) an hour on his 52km (31-mile) journey. . Airbus aims to put the two-seater on the market in 2017, targeting sales at training facilities for entry-level pilots.  In 1909, French pilot Louis Bleriot was the first person to fly a plane across the English Channel.

Points to remember:

• Airbus has hailed a new chapter in aviation history by claiming the first electric flight across the Channel,
• French pilot Louis Bleriot became the first to fly across the Channel nearly 106 years back.
• It weights 600 kilograms, is 6.7 metres long, and 9.5 metres wide.
• The two-seater plane has carried out over 100 test flights since April 2010.

What is English channel?

English channel is the body of water that separates southern England from northern France, and joins the southern part of the North Seato the Atlantic Ocean.