Norway has completed its first national electric aviation test project, marking a significant step in its transition to sustainable aviation. The six-month initiative saw the BETA ALIA electric aircraft, operated by Bristow, conduct regular cargo flights between Stavanger and Bergen.
The project provided critical, real-world data on aircraft operations, charging infrastructure, and winter performance in a demanding climate. It successfully demonstrated how new technologies can be integrated safely into the highly regulated aviation system through close collaboration between authorities, airports, and operators.
Key partners highlighted the project’s importance. Avinor’s Karianne Helland Strand stated it offers concrete experience to guide future airport and infrastructure development. The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority valued the “Regulatory Sandbox” approach, which allowed for evaluating safety frameworks for new technologies.
Bristow’s Dave Stepanek called it “an important step toward the next generation of flight,” providing vital operational and safety experience. BETA Technologies’ Simon Newitt emphasized that Norway’s geography is uniquely suited for electric aviation and that the project validated procedures for integration into existing airspace.
The initiative also identified future needs, such as robust charging solutions and specialized training for emergency services. Conducted under Norway’s new international test arena, the project’s insights will directly inform the next phase of advanced air mobility development, combining lessons in technology, regulation, and infrastructure to pave the way for commercial, low-emission aviation.
