Avinor and the Norwegian CAA have signed a formal agreement at Bergen Airport to commence demonstration flights with BETA Technologies, an aircraft manufacturer, and Bristow Norway AS, following the two companies’ initial collaboration in April 2024 to establish Norway as a zero- and low-emission aviation test arena.
The test flights will take place between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport starting in late summer 2025 using BETA’s ALIA CX300. The test arena aims to involve airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, the energy sector, and other stakeholders to learn how the future of zero-and low-emission aircraft can develop, and how airports can be ready for and support these operations.
“Avinor’s role is to facilitate the infrastructure at airports and make the airspace available for actors who wish to test various zero- and low-emission aircraft in an operational environment,” said Karianne Helland Strand, Executive Vice President for Sustainability, Concept, and Infrastructure Development at Avinor. “We seek more knowledge about what different technologies and aircraft require in terms of airport facilities and necessary energy supply needs. For example, we currently have a procurement process underway for fast chargers for electric aircraft in Bergen and Stavanger to accommodate the first test flight.”
Stavanger Airport is expected to install a charger by 1 June, followed by the delivery of a mobile charger at Bergen Airport by 15 August.
“The government’s goal in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 (NTP) is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. To achieve this, one billion kroner has been allocated in the NTP. The first major initiative is the establishment of Norway as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft”, commented Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård.
Nygård continued: “With an aviation industry committed to reducing emissions, a decentralized network of airports of various sizes, a significant regional air transport market, a proactive aviation authority, and a supplier industry specializing in battery-electric propulsion systems and hydrogen technology, we have a strong foundation for the early adoption of new technologies.”
Photo: Bristow
