Small airfields across the UK championing electric aviation
October 7, 2024
Electric aviation on the rise in the UK as 14 airfields now trailblazing next-gen aircraft.
With 14 airfields across the UK currently home to resident electric-powered aircraft, an additional 36 airfields are adopting charging infrastructure, underlining the critical role smaller airfields and airports play in the future of advanced air mobility (AAM).
Fairoaks Airport in Chobham, Surrey, has become the latest airfield to receive a Pipistrel Velis Electro – the only electric aircraft currently certified for passenger flighs by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The aircraft has been leased from NEBOair by Synergy Flight Training, which is partnering with 4AIR to bring a new era of decarbonised flight by enabling prospective pilots to train on fully electric aircraft.
In addition to Fairoaks, Norwich and Duxford airports. As well as Great Oakley Airfield, Humberside, Old Buckenham, Popham, RAF Cranwell, Redhill, Rochester, Sibson, Shipmeadow and Wickenby all have resident Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft with charging supported by NEBOair.
“The Pipistrel Velis generates emissions only during its construction, repair and maintenance, its eventual end-of-life disposal and from the electricity used for charging,” said Kennedy Ricci, President of 4AIR. “Through our partnership with Synergy Flight Training, student pilots of the future (and qualified pilots too) will experience new forms of decarbonised flying which will become more commonplace over the next decade.”
Supporting the rising demand for charging infrastructure to support all-electric aircraft, London-based Aerovolt which also specialises in smart charging for electric aircraft, is in the process of rolling out charging points at 36 UK airfields and airports, including Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, Lee-on-Solent, Derby, Isle of Man Ronaldsway and Teesside airports.
The British Business General Aviation Association’s (BBGA’s) managing director, Lindsey Oliver, added her support for championing innovation stemming from general aviation saying: “General aviation has always been a valued innovation incubator for commercial aviation. The achievements lauded here serve to advance and benefit our whole sector.”
