DHL said the type of all-electric plane that it ordered from Eviation Aircraft has successfully made its maiden flight recently opening a new era in the sustainable transport of air cargo. 

In a statement, DHL said the "first-ever" fully electric commuter plane "Alice" from Eviation has successfully completed its maiden flight at Moses Lake, Washington, US.

The plane Alice lifted off from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for a total of eight minutes and reaching an altitude of 3,500 feet. 

"Our compliments to Eviation on the successful first flight of Alice! Completing its maiden flight confirms our belief that the era of sustainable aviation is here," said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.

"With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of net-zero emissions logistics," Pearson added, noting that Alice's range and capacity make it a uniquely sustainable solution for DHL's global aviation network.

The DHL Express chief noted that this also supports the company's efforts to make a substantial contribution in reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.