Norway’s ambitious ambition for all-electric flights by 2040 took a big step forward today with plans announced to launch the world’s first electric-powered airplane by 2026.
Powered by Rolls-Royce technology and designed by the Italian company Tecnam, the 9-seater aircraft is well-suited for the specific flight requirements of Norway.
The proposed Widerøe 9-seater electric plane is designed by Tecnam using a Rolls-Royce movement.
Widerøe
Designed for very short flights
Very short flights of 15-30 minutes are common in Scandinavia due to the mountains and lakes that take control of the landscape and make land transport slow.
Widerøe regional airline currently relies on a fleet of Dash-8 propeller aircraft for these short flights, but has made no secret of its desire to switch to battery power.
“A 9-seater aircraft is an important milestone on the road to short, non-emissions flights, as for the first time it provides an opportunity to test the commercial activity of zero-emission aircraft,” said Widerøe Chief Stein Nilsen. the press release.
Norwegian airline Widerøe is keen to use the proposed Rolls-Royce electric aircraft … [+]
Widerøe
First step to an all-electric fleet
Rolls-Royce and Widerøe have collaborated on a zero-emissions aircraft research program since 2019.
Although a commercial contract to purchase the electric planes has not been signed, Sigurd Øvrebø from Rolls-Royce Norway explained that the collaboration with Widerøe is an important civil tool for the technology: “With this development, we will Norway and Widerøe ‘s first place in the queue for zero – flight flights. ”
Flight analyst Frode Steen told state broadcaster NRK that while surprised by the planned launch date of 2026, the rapid development of the electric car market in Norway over the past decade has departure showing what is possible.
In 2020, Norway became the first country in the world where annual sales of electric cars were higher than cars with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.
The proposed design from the Italian company Tecnam in Widerøe special colors.
Widerøe
Price of electric flights
Indeed, the success of the Norwegian electric car has been largely achieved by large state subsidies and incentives. It remains to be seen whether such an incentive would be available in flights, as many of Widerøe’s shortest flights are already subsidized by the government.
However, Widerøe ‘s leader believes that electricity technology will bring cheaper fares. “The release of our current environmental charges will affect ticket prices,” said Nilsen.
Interest in zero-emission planes is growing
The Widerøe news is the latest in a long series of news highlighting a greener future for airlines.
Last year, Airbus came up with three concept designs for a hydrogen-powered commercial jet aircraft, which they said could be achieved by 2035. Airbus and others are also looking at opportunities for hybrid transfer.