Norway Pioneers the Future of Green Aviation with a Landmark Zero-Emission Flight Agreement

In April 2024, Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority partnered to position Norway as a leading international test hub for zero- and low-emission aviation. Taking a major step forward, the first formal agreement for demonstration flights was signed on March 4, 2025, at Bergen Airport, Flesland, with BETA Technologies and Bristow Norway AS, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc.

Demonstration Flights Set for Q3 Launch

The upcoming flights will focus on cargo transportation, utilizing BETA’s ALIA CX300 eCTOL (electric conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft, operated by Bristow Norway. These passenger-free cargo flights will begin between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport, launching from Stavanger in late summer and expanding to the full route in the fall of 2025.

BETA Technologies recently completed the production build of the ALIA aircraft designated for these trials. This marks the company’s second production-intent vehicle, manufactured at its scaled production facility in Burlington, Vermont, USA. The aircraft has already obtained FAA airworthiness certification for VFR, IFR, and day-and-night operations and is set to arrive in Norway later this year.

Government’s Commitment to Sustainable Aviation

These demonstration flights align with Norway’s Aviation Strategy and National Transport Plan, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable and innovative air travel solutions.

“The government’s goal in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 (NTP) is to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission aviation. To achieve this, one billion kroner has been allocated in the NTP. The first major initiative is the establishment of Norway as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft”, says Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård.

“With an aviation industry committed to reducing emissions, a decentralized network of airports of various sizes, a significant regional air transport market, a proactive aviation authority, and a supplier industry specializing in battery-electric propulsion systems and hydrogen technology, we have a strong foundation for the early adoption of new technologies,” says the Minister of Transport.

Collaborative Approach for Scalable Innovation

The test arena aims to foster knowledge, learning, and ecosystem readiness, laying the groundwork for future scalability. This requires broad collaboration, engaging airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, the energy sector, and key industry stakeholders to drive innovation and prepare for widespread adoption.

“Avinor’s role is to facilitate the infrastructure at airports and make the airspace available for actors who wish to test various zero- and low-emission aircraft in an operational environment. We seek more knowledge about what different technologies and aircraft require in terms of airport facilities and necessary energy supply needs. For example, we currently have a procurement process underway for fast chargers for electric aircraft in Bergen and Stavanger to accommodate the first test flight,” says Karianne Helland Strand, Executive Vice President for Sustainability, Concept, and Infrastructure Development at Avinor.

“Aviation is a safe mode of transport and a well-regulated sector. As the aviation authority, we will ensure that new technologies can be tested in accordance with regulations. We will learn how regulations and frameworks need to evolve to enable new technologies and concepts. Through this, we will build the necessary expertise early on for the solutions of tomorrow.

We are now establishing a connection point between the aviation industry and the support system in line with the government’s objectives,” says Director General of Civil Aviation, Lars Kobberstad.

“We see great value in real-world demonstrations, both to understand performance and mission fit, but also to bring local communities in what this technology offers,” said Patrick Buckles, BETA’s Sales Lead. “This year, as we operationalize this technology, we’re excited to showcase how its low-cost, high-reliability operations can serve markets all over the world, including Norway.”

“This regulatory sandbox evaluation project exemplifies our philosophy of crawl, walk, run for early adoption of new aviation technologies and solidifies the commitment to our vision to be a leader in innovative and sustainable aviation,” said Dave Stepanek, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer for Bristow Group. “Bristow Norway is proud and honored to partner with this distinguished group of leaders in advanced air mobility.”

Key Milestones Leading to Launch

Before the test arena becomes operational, a charger supplier will be selected for both Stavanger and Bergen. The Stavanger Airport charger is scheduled for installation by June 1, while Bergen Airport will receive a mobile charger, set for delivery by August 15.