The government wants to accelerate the electrification of the aviation industry. What is needed to achieve the transition will now be investigated.
”"We see it as possible to establish electric flights over certain distances in the years to come," says Tomas Eneroth (S), Minister of Infrastructure.
Electric flight testing is progressing faster than previously expected, according to Tomas Eneroth. But there is still some way to go before we will see electric flights in commercial traffic.
The Swedish Transport Agency (Trafikanalys) will be tasked with looking at what is needed to convert the aviation industry to electric power. Airport structures and regulations may need to be changed, and the agency will also look at what is needed to accelerate technological development.
”"Air travel is important for an export-dependent and elongated country like Sweden. But aviation must change, otherwise we will not meet the climate requirements," says Tomas Eneroth.
He does not dare to say exactly when he foresees electric flights being available in commercial traffic in Sweden. But he is leaning towards success with electrification on the vehicle side and would like to see Sweden become a leader in electrification across the entire transport sector.
”"We have an aviation industry in Sweden with both smaller and larger players working and researching and developing electric aviation," says Tomas Eneroth.
He believes that there is interest in the aviation industry and in the aviation industry in working on the transition.
”"I feel that the industry has really turned a corner and is clearly focused on the transition both in terms of biofuels and the establishment of electric aviation," says Tomas Eneroth.
He believes that the transition is not only necessary to achieve climate goals but is also a matter of long-term survival for the aviation industry.
TT: How can the aviation industry afford to change?
”"That is one of the reasons why we are giving the assignment to Trafikanalys. Hopefully we will get a good knowledge base with clear advice to the government and to the actors on how we can promote development," says Tomas Eneroth.
Source: TT
