GERMAN
ENGLISH
On Friday 16 June 2023, an electric aircraft was greeted at Turku Airport with the traditional ceremonial water salute for the maiden flight. On board the plane were Finavia CEO Kimmo Mäki and pilot and flight instructor Antti Kirjavainen.
“It was a historic moment when the wheels of an electric airplane touched the surface of the runway and a new chapter in the future of the airport began. The entire aviation sector must use every possible means to reduce emissions. Quiet and zero-emission electric aircraft are part of the aviation industry’s climate solution,” says Kimmo Mäki.
Since 2017, Finavia has been working on the development of electric aviation, for example through cooperation with the Helsinki Electric Aircraft Association. The information gained about electric aviation helped Finavia, among other things, with the preparation of the charging infrastructure.
“The electric aircraft that landed at Turku Airport today is a two-seat Pipistrel Alpha Electro. It was specially developed for educational purposes. Due to its short take-off distance and high take-off speed, the aircraft is very well suited for small airports,” says Janne Vasama, Chair of the Electric Aircraft Association.
Electric aircraft play an important role in the air transport climate solution, but they alone will not revolutionize its future. It is believed that electric aircraft are best suited for short routes and small passenger numbers. Currently, the range of electric planes is 120 kilometers when there are only a few passengers on board.
The key to reducing emissions from aviation is replacing kerosene with fossil-free propulsion, ie electricity, hydrogen and fuel made from renewable raw materials. It is likely that different propulsion systems will be used in parallel.
“We have a clear vision that the Finns and the Finnish economy should continue to have fast and good connections all over the world in the future and that the Finns will still be able to fly in 100 years. We take climate change and people's concerns seriously, and work persistently to reduce the environmental impact. Our goal is to achieve net zero emissions at our airports within two years,” says Kimmo Mäki.
The flight of an electric aircraft will be part of the Finnish Aviation Association's main air show to be held on June 17-18, 2023 at Turku Airport. In addition to an electric aircraft, Finavia's booth will also feature airport equipment that runs on renewable fuel.
