Kvarken region prepares for electric flights

Anja
by Anja
1 min read
Jun 24, 2022 10:14:11 AM

#NordicNews on air traffic

New air services in the Kvarken region

From August 15, the Kvarken region will have new air services on the Umeå - Karleby/Kokkola - Skellefteå - Karleby/Kokkola - Umeå route. Jonair operates the flights twice a week, on Mondays and Tuesdays, with a capacity for 19 passengers.

The new flight route is part of the FAIR-Airline project and aims to prepare the area specifically for electric flights. The first step is to switch to fossil-free fuel. From 2024, all aircraft are to be supplied with bio fuel. Eventually, the route will be opened to electric flights in 2025.

Extensive research has shown that the Kvarken region is ideally suited for the project. Industry growth suggests that demand for accessibility for businesses, workers and residents will increase. There is a need to improve east-west connections. Initiators see the greatest benefits as societal benefits, reduced CO2 emissions, independence from fossil fuels, and shortened travel time.

Demand as an important factor for success

Stakeholders are aware that demand must be built up over a long period of time to make a route enviable. A fully developed route is seen as one of the most important preparations before electric aircraft enter the market within 5 years.

In this regard, bio fuels are also important, not only to reduce CO2 emissions, but also to increase demand and thus production.

To give the airline long-term viability, it is necessary to ensure that communities, destinations, development companies, universities and businesses use the airline. Regional airports are doing their part to increase accessibility to the area. Electricity can drastically reduce fuel and maintenance costs, making operating costs very competitive and thus providing opportunities for a whole new regional air transport.

Kvarken region as a pioneer

Kvarken sees itself as a pioneer area where green transformation is celebrated. This has already been confirmed with the launch of the world's most environmentally friendly ferry.

More on Kvarken air traffic.

© Header: Henrik Morkel / Unsplash

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