Quick to embrace zero-emission aviation, Norway’s Wideroe is to be acquired by low-cost carrier Norwegian.
Norway’s government is seeking input on how to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission domestic aviation as it prepares a new National Transport Plan for 2025-36.
Phasing in reduced-emission commercial aircraft as soon as technology permits is a central topic of the government’s January white paper on a national strategy for sustainable and safe aviation.
“One of the central themes in the government’s aviation strategy is to facilitate development of an aviation sector that is environmentally sustainable,” says Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygaard.
“We now want input for our continuing efforts to phase in new technology, initially in regional aviation,” he says, launching the consultation at the end of June. The deadline for input is Sept. 29.
The consultation is aimed at energy sources other than sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), such as batteries and hydrogen. SAF is being handled separated. Norway already has established a blending mandate for SAF, aiming to reach 30% by 2030.
The Transport Ministry wants input on the type and need for specific additional government measures to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. The ministry wants to clarify how measures should be designed to maximize benefits compared to expected costs. How the timing of different measures should be prioritized also will be part of the input.
In Norway, domestic aviation is crucial to ensuring access to health care, education and other public services, as well as for business and leisure travel and tourism, the white paper notes. An aging aircraft fleet operates most of the regional routes, and flights involve short runways and challenging weather and terrain. The largest regional carrier, Wideroe, is being acquired by low-cost airline Norwegian.
“If the regional aviation segment is to be maintained long-term and contribute to reaching national and international climate goals, it is crucial that available alternatives are put in place early enough,” the white paper says. The Norwegian Parliament has asked the government to plan for how subsidized public-service-obligation (PSO) routes are to be handled if it is not possible to replace the current fleet.
In its sustainable-aviation white paper, the government said it would consider an innovative pilot/development procurement contract for suitable routes. Input will be sought on whether such a measure would be suitable compared to other potential options.
Norway’s Institute of Transport Economics has studied the establishment of an electric pilot PSO route between Forde and Bergen. The report finds the route would yield significant regional benefits, including faster transport of employees and patients in the Western Norwegian region.
The study concludes there is probably a sufficient passenger base to establish such a route, with a strong desire to reduce travel time between the two cities and fly electric aircraft. Prerequisites are that the route facilitates daily commuting and tickets are reasonably priced. “Wideroe wants such a route to be part of a network,” the report says.
A pilot PSO route would contribute to phasing in electric aircraft domestically and internationally as rapidly as technically possible, the report says, noting such a service requires certified aircraft, pilots and mechanics as well as state support for establishment and operation of the route.
The Transport Ministry has commissioned the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority and state airport operator Avinor to facilitate the phasing in of zero- and low-emission aircraft. In preparation for the next National Transport Plan, they have been asked to update their technology and cost assumptions by October. Wideroe was working with Tecnam and Rolls-Royce on the nine-passenger electric P-Volt, but development was shelved after they determined operation of the aircraft was not economically viable with available battery technology.
Related Content
