While the prototype designs have involved students at Cranfield University in the UK, the concept has been lead by easyJet's engineering director Ian Davies: "The hybrid plane concept we are announcing today is both a vision of the future and a challenge to our partners and suppliers to continue to push the boundaries towards reducing our carbon emissions."

A reduction in fuel consumption, courtesy of energy-absorbing brakes and hybrid engines, will mean reduced carbon emissions — and less fuel to carry around, reducing those all important costs for an airline that likes to play to the margins.