A hybrid aircraft that is quieter than a Hoover and harks back to the tri-planes of the First World War is aiming to be at the forefront of eco-friendly air travel.

Faradair, based at Duxford, home of the Imperial War Museum, aims to have its bio-electric aircraft (Beha) ready for commercial flights by 2026 with a full fleet available by the end of the decade.

The futuristic 18-seater airplane sports a triple-box wing setup — famously associated with German WWI flying ace the Red Baron — and incorporates a combination of electric motors and biofuel.

Electric motors will orchestrate take-off and landing which will help reduce noise pollution, as the company moves a step closer to carbon neutral travel.

The Beha is expected to register around 70 decibels (dB) when taking off and landing, around the same noise level as a household vacuum cleaner, whereas traditional jet engines can reach 140dB.

Biofuel engines will take over while cruising and power a turbogenerator. The engines will also help recharge the electric motors, with the assistance of solar panels.