The world's first electric seaplane has completed a short test flight in Vancouver, Canada. /Getty Images

The six-passenger e-plane is powered by a 750-horsepower (560 kW) magni500 propulsion system, which was first unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June. /Getty Images

The companies behind it, Harbour Air and magniX, said in a statement that it "signifies the start of the third era in aviation – the electric age." /Getty Images

The technology could help cut carbon emissions significantly, though battery power makes long-distance flight a challenge. /Getty Images