What kind of electric vehicle just flew for the first time?

The commercial aviation sector is a massive target for those looking to combat climate change and reduce harmful pollutants in our air — a recent study found that three components of airplane emissions are responsible for 97 percent of negative health and environmental impacts.

That’s why the first flight of a fully electric commercial aircraft, which happened this week in Vancouver, British Columbia, is so exciting. MagniX, and Australian engineering firm, designed and built the craft in partnership with seaplane airline Harbour Air. The plane started out as a 62-year-old DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver six-seater, which they outfitted with a 750 hp electric motor. The pilot, Harbour Air CEO Greg McDougall, said it was just like flying the original version, except that he " actually had to back off on the power.”

Though it is currently only capable of flying for about 15 minutes, this plane demonstrates great potential for taking planes electric. McDougall predicts that if Harbour Air’s entire fleet will eventually be electrified, there will be significant savings in fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Not to mention the benefit to the planet and overall air quality.