Could flying be possible without worrying about our carbon footprint? The answer is yes. That is, if aircraft manufacturer Airbus’s plans for an electric aircraft turn into a reality.

The E-Fan 2.0 electric prototype can reach speeds of 136mph in the skies, according to the firm, and it’s pretty light too – weighing less than half a ton, the aircraft has lithium-ion polymer batteries in its 31-feet wings as well as dual

electric motors with a total power of 60 kilowatts. It can also fly for up to an hour.

The two-seater aircraft is also CO2 emission-free – and the great thing is, it’s nearly silent in flight. Imagine listening to music without worrying about plane engine noise in the background!

Airbus plans to construct a final assembly line for the E-Fan at Pau in south-west France

The ultimate goal, however, is a 100-seat electric aircraft, but don’t start queuing to buy tickets just yet – it may be the 2050s before this dream is turned into reality.

Airbus is investing 20 million euros (Ł14.73 million) in its overall design and development and it’ll be taking part in flying displays at the Paris show, while a full-scale model of the production version will be available in Airbus’s exhibition area.