Norway to test hybrid-electric aircraft with short takeoff capability

Avinor says a new hybrid-electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing on runways as short as 50 meters will undergo testing in Norway next year. The state-owned operator of Norwegian airports argues the technology could connect remote communities and regional centers more efficiently than current air services.

The aircraft, developed by Heart Aerospace, uses a combination of electric motors and a turboprop engine. It is designed for routes under 200 kilometers, where traditional jets require longer runways and burn more fuel. Avinor’s head of innovation, Tomas Isdal, told local media the project addresses a gap in Norway’s transport network.

Short takeoff and landing capabilities mean the plane can operate from smaller airports closer to towns. Isdal said this reduces travel time for passengers in regions where road or ferry connections are slow. Norway already relies heavily on air travel due to its geography, with domestic flights accounting for a significant share of passenger traffic.

Testing will start in 2025 at Ørland Main Air Station in Trøndelag. Authorities will assess performance in cold weather conditions, which are common in northern Norway. The aircraft has 30 seats and a range of 400 kilometers on hybrid power.

If successful, the model could enter commercial service by 2028. Avinor has not announced which airlines will operate the planes but says several carriers have expressed interest. The project is partly funded by the Norwegian government’s climate technology program.

Source: tu.no