A Seattle-based start-up backed by Boeing and JetBlue Airways is set to launch a commuter plane with a hybrid engine within the next five years.
Zunum Aero has announced plans for planes that are powered by two electric motors and wing-integrated battery packs, as well as a supplemental jet-fuel engine.
The planes, which will be piloted initially and eventually drone operated are scheduled to be on the market by 2022. The company believes the model will fill a gap in the market for low-cost regional airline travel.
The firm also forecasts that, as technology rapidly improves, future models will be able to fly solely on battery power.

"This aircraft is going to transform how we live and work," said founder Matt Knapp. "We've pushed ourselves to challenge conventional wisdom and the limits of engineering to deliver an aircraft of which we are extremely proud ? one that offers efficiency and performance without compromise." By making use of the 13,500 smaller airports that are based around big cities in the United States, Zunum Aero also said that its 12-person passenger planes will substantially reduce the cost and duration of trips under 1000 miles.
Each plane will have a maximum cruise speed of 340 miles-per-hour, and a maximum flight range of 700 miles.
Regional routes could include Republic Airport in Suffolk County, New York to Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport, which the firm says would take just two hours and 36 minutes door-to-door, and cost $1...