19 / 11 / 2020

Status of Electric Aviation in Finland and Sweden and the Development Opportunities

The goal of the FAIR project is to create synergy, increase knowledge of the potentials of electric-powered flights and accelerate the implementation of regional electric flights especially in the Kvarken region. The project consists of three work packages (WP 1-3) of which RISE is responsible for WP 3 focusing on the Cross-border innovation process and the project´s competence network.

The very first FAIR competence network webinar

The goal of the FAIR project is to create synergy, increase knowledge of the potentials of electric-powered flights and accelerate the implementation of regional electric flights especially in the Kvarken region. The project consists of three work packages (WP 1-3) of which RISE is responsible for WP 3 focusing on the Cross-border innovation process and the project´s competence network.

The purpose of the competence network is to gather and engage actors and competences within the project realm for an active exchange of knowledge. The goal is to contribute to and further develop a Nordic competence network within electric aviation.

The projects very first competence network webinar on November 2nd, gathered about 30 participants and focused on the status and development opportunities of electric aviation in Finland and Sweden.

Mr Janne Vasama, Chairman of the Helsinki Electric Aviation Association, attended in this first webinar to give his opinion on the status and potential of electric aircraft from a Finnish perspective.

Mr. Vasama introduced the Helsinki Electric Aviation association founded in 2017 to fly, test, study and later also to promote electric flying. He presented on the potential of electric flying and different ongoing projects in Finland, such as Electric Aircraft Battery development with Aalto University, a test centre for Future Aviation and Drone development at Pyhtää Airport and a 2021 hybrid powerline. Specific challenges mentioned for electric aviation were the competition with fast trains, a lack of metropolitan airports and the need for political interest. Mr. Vasama´s presentation is available HERE  and can be seen HERE (Mr. Vasama 7.21-).

Mr. Lennart Thörn, Senior Adviser at the Transport Analysis, summarized the analysis presented Oct 7th on the Swedish Governments assigned task of analysing the development of electric aircraft. The presentation included the current situation, plans and development projects and possible scenarios for electric aviation.

Mr. Thörn elaborated on technical restrictions and commercial range while describing a concentration to bigger aircrafts and fewer airports, with initially high investment costs for regional electric aviation. Mr Thörn’s presentation is available HERE and the presentation can be seen HERE (Mr. Thörn 31.20-).

The seminar discussion touched upon the development opportunities for electric aviation regarding infrastructure (both soft and hard) as well as procurement structures. All within the scope of identifying opportunities to positively disturb the existing Nordic Air system, implementing electric aviation in a way to capitalise on regional strengths and opportunities.

This seminar will be followed by a series of competence network seminars during December 2020 and forward. The seminars contain both presentations and topic discussions with participants. Please contact carita.roslund@ri.se if you would want an invitation to seminars. Please find the program of the next seminar and the registration link HERE

*** Mr. Vasama invited the webinar participants to join the upcoming Ecological and Electric Aviation Seminar, 10th of March 2021. The event is organized by the Helsinki Electric Aviation Association and MAF Finland Mission Aviation Fellowship.

The FAIR project group wish to thank the speakers and everyone who has participated in the work so far.

 

    

FAIR is an Interreg Botnia-Atlantica financed project developing a methodology to support an early and efficient commercialization of electric-powered regional flights in the Kvarken region.

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