Electric aircraft to be introduced in Finland

The Finnish airport operating company Finavia and the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association have signed a cooperation agreement with the objective of introducing a new generation of electric aircraft in Finland, said a press release.

“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 such solution. We want to invest in the introduction of new aircraft technology and expedite the electrification of domestic flights,” said Henri Hansson, a senior vice president of Finavia who oversees infrastructure and sustainability.

The first electric passenger aircraft are best suited for shorter flights; however, it is important to develop their operating range as well, especially from the point of view of commercial airline services, said the release.

According to the findings of research conducted in cooperation between the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and the Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, an electric aircraft would be the preferred option for travelling distances of more than 400 kilometres in Finland due to the aircraft’s speed.

If the used electricity is produced with only wind or solar energy, for example, an electric aircraft would fly with zero emissions.

“With electric aviation, flying will become more and more ecological and electric aircraft will become an environment-friendly method of transport. Electric aviation is quiet, which also reduces noise nuisance,” said Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association Chairman Janne Vasama.

According to Vasama, the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association is an industry pioneer in Finland as well as in Europe. The first electric aircraft in Finland, a two-seat Pipistrel Alpha Electro (OH-U682) took off two years ago, on 31 July 2018 in Malmi.