Five Norwegian Sites Chosen for 2027 Demonstration Flights of Electra's Hybrid-Electric EL2 Aircraft
Why It MattersPairing the regulator and airport operator with the manufacturer and operator signals that short-takeoff hybrid-electric aircraft are being tested against real infrastructure and certification requirements before commercial service.
Bristow Group Inc., together with Electra, Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway), will conduct demonstration flights with Electra's hybrid-electric EL2 technology demonstrator at five locations across Norway, the partners announced on Oct. 19, 2026. The aircraft can take off and land in approximately 50 meters and combines electric propulsion with a turbogenerator powered by sustainable aviation fuel.
The locations represent three operating environments. Horvnes quay near Sandnessjøen and Kongsbergporten Business Park will demonstrate operations at novel landing sites where no established runways exist today. Trondheim and Oslo airports will provide experience with integrating operations into larger airport environments. Mosjøen Airport in Northern Norway was selected as an example of a short-runway airport, where the aircraft's capabilities and new approach procedures can be assessed.
The project aims to generate operational, regulatory and market knowledge to support the introduction of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and the results are intended to inform future infrastructure, operational and regulatory requirements. It is part of Norway's international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation, a government initiative led by Avinor and CAA Norway with financial support from the Norwegian Government.
The project is now entering its next phase, in which the partners will develop the detailed test program, obtain the necessary approvals and prepare the locations. The first demonstration flight is planned for the third quarter of 2027.
