Norway to host hybrid-electric aircraft test flights at five sites from Q3 2027

Four partners — Bristow Group, aircraft developer Electra, airport operator Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway) — will conduct demonstration flights of Electra's hybrid-electric EL2 technology demonstrator at five locations across Norway. The first flight is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.

Key facts

• First demonstration flight: third quarter of 2027
• Partners: Bristow Group, Electra, Avinor and CAA Norway
• Locations: five sites across Norway, including two airports and two places with no established runways
• Aircraft: Electra's hybrid-electric EL2 technology demonstrator, described as an ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft
• Background: part of Norway's government-backed international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation

Where will the demonstration flights take place?

Two of the five sites were chosen because they have no established runways: Horvnes quay near Sandnessjøen and Kongsbergporten Business Park. Electra said these will be used to demonstrate operations at novel landing sites.

Trondheim and Oslo airports have been selected to provide experience of integrating the aircraft into larger airport environments. Mosjøen Airport in Northern Norway will serve as an example of a short-runway airport, where the aircraft's capabilities and new approach procedures can be assessed.

Why is Norway hosting these tests?

Karianne Helland Strand, Avinor's Executive Vice President Sustainability and Infrastructure, said the aim is to test the technology "under different conditions and in different parts of the aviation system" rather than to single out individual locations. She said the trials will show what is needed in terms of infrastructure, airspace, procedures and regulations before new aircraft types enter service in Norway.

Jan Petter Steinland, CAA Norway's Director of Innovation, Research and Sustainability, said testing across varied scenarios will help the authority assess whether the current regulatory framework is fit for purpose and build knowledge of how such an aircraft can be safely integrated with other air traffic.

The tests form part of Norway's international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation, a government initiative led by Avinor and CAA Norway with financial support from the Norwegian Government. The arena is intended to speed up and make more predictable the introduction of new zero- and low-emission technologies through practical testing and regulatory development.

What happens next?

The partners will now draw up the detailed test programme, secure the necessary approvals and prepare the locations, Bristow's Dave Stepanek said. Detailed planning for the 2027 flight demonstrations can begin now that the sites are confirmed.

What this means for travellers

These are demonstration flights by a technology demonstrator, not scheduled passenger services, and the source does not announce any new routes, tickets or changes to airport operations. Travellers flying to, from or within Norway do not need to take any action in connection with the trials.