Photo: Widerøe

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The trend for cleaner aviation continues to develop exceptionally fast. Especially in Norway which has set an ambitious goal for its aviation industry: emission-free domestic aviation by 2040.

Thus, Widerøe, Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, and Rolls Royce, industrial technology company, has announced about their plan to launch a joint research program on zero-emissions aviation.

The global aim of this project is to develop an electric aircraft concept. According to the statement, operational studies and concept proofing by the teams of experts in Norway and the UK are already underway.

The final product of the mutual cooperation will not only help Norway to achieve its goals, but also will contribute to the Widerøe’s ambition to replace and electrify its regional fleet of 30+ planes by 2030. 

“The development of electric aviation looks promising, but we need to progress faster. We are therefore pleased to have the world’s most renowned engine manufacturer onboard with us on this pioneering green journey” said Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer at Widerøe.

Norway to Set Example

Norway, and the Scandinavian region in general, are early adopters of low-emission technology. Correspondingly, their ambitious plans for the cleaner aviation industry are very reasonable.

Recently, Pilot Flight Academy, a Norwegian aviation training centre, has also announced about its goal to provide future pilots with fully electric education. The Academy has purchased 10 new full electric training aircraft  for commercial pilot training. These innovative planes will be delivered in the first part of 2021.

Thus, Norway is working in all the sectors of aviation, starting from training up to airlines’ operations.

“Our major short runway network of local flights in the coastal and northern parts of the country is ideal for electrification, and our abundant access to clean electricity means this is an opportunity we cannot miss”.

“We are determined to show the world that this is possible, and many will be surprised at how fast it will happen”, says the public statement of Ola Elvestuen, the Minister of Climate and Environment in Norway.

Hopefully, an attempt to bring cleaner and quieter air transport to the skies will turn into huge success in the aviation history.