The European Union Aviation Safety Agency certificate paves the way for environmentally-friendly aviation, said Pipistrel.

After years of research and a number of award-winning electric aircraft models developed since 2007, Pipistrel has pulled off another feat by being the first to be awarded the certificate for aircraft powered by electric motors, said the Ajdovščina-based company.

Velis Electro not only meets the highest safety standards but also surpasses those required for conventionally powered aircraft, it added. According to the company, the new model is easy to use and maintain and the engine requires zero warming up.

This year, Pipistrel will supply the first 31 Velis Electro models to buyers from various countries.

The aircraft developer is the only company in the world that currently produces and sells four different models of electric aircraft.