Earlier this year, we shared a story about Rolls-Royce‘s mission to develop 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel as part of its efforts to help transition the aviation industry towards a post-carbon future.
Now, the second-largest manufacturer of aircraft engines wants to go a step further and help electrify the industry. Rolls-Royce has partnered with aeronautics company Tecnam and Norwegian airline Widerøe to build an all-electric passenger plane for the Norwegian commuter market by 2026.
Due to Norway’s fractured topography, many of its inhabitants have no other choice but to use air transportation to travel around the country. As a result, the nation makes extensive use of aviation for regional connectivity, but they also have the ambition to make all domestic flights zero-emission by 2040.
To help the Nordic country achieve its climate goals, Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in propulsion and power systems to the table, Tecnam will provide aircraft design and manufacturing, and Widerøe will ensure that the new electric aircraft meets all requirements of a Norwegian airline operator.
“Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero-emissions technologies,” said Stein Nilsen, Widerøe chief executive. “This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025.”
Image source: Rolls-Royce
