Electra signs agreement with Norway for Ultra Short demonstration flights

Electra, Bristow Group, Avinor and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority signed a contract on April 21 for the launch of the second international test project for low to zero-emission aviation. The project is built on Norway's established international test arena and will collect data to support the introduction of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft in the country. Electra and Bristow will conduct demonstrations involving Electra's hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. Electra states the goal is to examine the possibilities of novel aircraft operations to transform regional mobility networks in ways that cannot be done with conventional aircraft and helicopters. "Electra's hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft opens the door to lowering emissions and new connectivity beyond the limits of traditional aircraft," said Diana Siegel, VP of commercial programs at Electra. "Realizing that potential requires the right ecosystem. Partnering with Bristow, Avinor, and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority brings together operations, infrastructure and regulation to demonstrate novel operations at both existing airfields and new access points." RELATED STORIES: Electra joins Virginia program to create blueprint for AAM flight rules Electra secures additional patents for hybrid-electric architecture Bristow secures first delivery slot for Electra EL9 aircraft The demonstrations will focus on use cases such as the use of novel access points, integrating ultra-short operations at existing short runways and introducing services into major airports without causing congestion. The flights will also provide insight into emissions reductions, operational concepts, and scalability. The program will be done in phases, starting at smaller airports, then novel or adapted access points, until finally operating at a major Norwegian aviation hub. The Ultra Short nine-passenger aircraft has over 2,200 pre-orders from more than 60 commercial customers worldwide, making it the most in-demand aircraft in the AAM sector. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and commercial service entry following in late 2029, into 2030 under FAA Part 23 regulations.