The Finnish airport company Finavia and the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association will soon be introducing a new generation of electric aircraft, for which they have already signed a cooperation agreement
The use of electric aircraft, which derive power from wind or solar energy, will be able to fly with zero emissions.
Initially, the first few electric passenger planes will be designed for shorter distances, until it becomes possible to develop their operating range for commercial airline services. However, the average distance for travelling by an electric aircraft, should be a minimum of 400 kilometres, says a joint research, conducted by University of Jyv?skyl? in Finland and Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia.
?Finavia?s objective is to continue the reduction of emissions caused by airport operations, to which all available resources must be targeted. Electric aviation is one of those solutions. We want to invest in the introduction of new aircraft technology and expedite the electrification of domestic flights,? says senior vice president Henri Hansson, who oversees infrastructure and sustainability at Finavia. With the beginning of electric aviation, flying will become more ecological and the electric aircraft will become an environmentally friendly method of transport. It will also help in reducing noise pollution,? points out the chairman of the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association, Janne Vasama
According to Mr Vasama, the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association is considered an industry pioneer in Finland and Europe, and Finavia has been a long-term supporter of the testing and development of electric aviation. They launched their first electric aircraft, a two-seater Pipistrel Alpha Electro (OH-U682) on July 31, 2018 in Malmi. With the new agreement, Finavia will become the main sponsor for the new aircraft procurement.
Finavia and the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association work closely with the Nordic Network for Electric Aviation (NEA) and the electric aviation project of the Kvarken Council. Their shared objective is to decrease the environmental impacts of aviation, and improve flight connections in the area. Finavia manages and develops 21 airports in Finland.
