Transition to zero and low emission aviation requires a coordinated effort on a European level

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth-Eide, who participated in the seminar, emphasized the significance of coordinated actions at the European level to achieve the goal of fossil free aviation by 2050.

-Coordinated efforts at the European level are essential to drive the transition to green aviation. Through initiatives like the Norway-EU Green Alliance, we can work together to develop a common framework that supports the transition to zero-emission regional aviation. By aligning our strategies and sharing best practices, we can accelerate the transition and take important steps towards the development of zero-emission aviation on a larger scale globally, stated Barth-Eide.

Minister of Transport and Communications Jon Ivar Nygård, reaffirmed the essential role of aviation in Norway and emphasized the country's commitment to fossil free aviation.

-Aviation is a vital component of Norway's transportation system, and it will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining regional, national, and international connectivity. The Norwegian transport system is reliant on maintaining a strong market for regional aviation to ensure sufficient connectivity in the whole country. In parts of my country and other regions in Europe, there are no viable alternatives to aviation. This may be the case for islands, sparsely populated areas with long distances or a challenging geography. As we strive towards a fossil-free future, we recognize the importance of sustainable aviation. The Norwegian government is committed to supporting the development and adoption of zero-emission regional aviation solutions that ensure a seamless transition while meeting our connectivity needs. Therefore, in the recently published National Transport Plan 2025-2036 we are prioritising 1 billion Norwegian kroner for this purpose, stated Nygård.

- While we are prepared to do what we can at national level, there is also a clear need to develop policy at European level. One example of this is that a revised air service regulation must open for longer lasting PSO-contract when these contracts require use of zero or low emission technology. Upcoming revision of European regulation of this and other regulation of the European regulation of aviation provides an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss, concludes Nygård.

Norway as an international test arena

The establishment of Norway as an international test arena for zero and low emission aviation is a concrete measure to driving the development and validation of sustainable aviation technologies.

-Today’s seminar provided an excellent opportunity to showcase Norway as a test arena for zero and low emission aviation. Avinor, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, offers essential infrastructure, airspace, and access to energy for market participants to test and demonstrate innovative technologies. The test arena will accelerate the introduction of relevant solutions in the Norwegian market and contribute to the global advancement of zero-emission regional aviation. It is a collaborative platform for industry players to learn, share knowledge, and shape the future of aviation, stated Avinor CEO Abraham Foss.

The test arena will, in principle, cover the entire country. Specific geographical locations for the establishment of test facilities will be decided in dialogue with market participants, based on their needs, as well as assessments of technological maturity. Interested producers and operators must be able to submit an operating concept and respond to predefined qualification criteria. Dialogue has already started with European technology developers and aircraft producers and other key market players.

A key part of the test arena will also be to develop the required regulatory framework for testing and demonstration of zero and low emission aircraft. A crucial partner in this process, the EU aviation authority EASA are ready to contribute, as underlined by EASA’s Executive Director Florian Guillermet, in his address to the seminar participants.

-We aim for a collaboration with the European aviation industry that can leverage Norway's expertise in areas such as battery-electric systems and hydrogen technology, to drive the development of sustainable aviation solutions, says Foss.