Monday 15 March 2021
Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam are joining forces with Widerøe to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft ready for service in 2026.
The project will look to cover all elements of developing and delivering an all-electric passenger aircraft that could be used in the Norwegian market from 2026, supporting the country's ambition for all domestic flights to be zero emissions by 2040.
Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in propulsion and power systems, Tecnam will provide aircraft design, manufacturing and certification capabilities and Widerøe's mission will be to ensure all competence and requirements of an airline operator are in place for entry into service in 2026.
The project expands on the successful research programme between Rolls-Royce and Widerøe on sustainable aviation and the existing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Tecnam on powering the all-electric P-Volt aircraft.
Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical said: “Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
“This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market. It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce's ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets.”
Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widerøe added: “We are highly excited to be offered the role as launch operator but also humble about the challenges of putting the world’s first zero emissions aircraft into service. Our mission is to have all new capabilities, processes and procedures required for a zero emissions operator, designed and approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified.”