Skellefteå is developing a test route for vertically starting air traffic

The project will investigate and plan for infrastructure, airspace issues, permits, market issues and, from a research perspective, investigate the electrical environment that increased use of electrified aircraft provides at the airport. This creates the conditions for one of the very first test routes in the Nordic region, which will help to shorten the time leading up to commercial traffic with eVTOL in Västerbotten, Sweden and the Nordics.

• Hundreds of industrial projects are underway around the world that involve developing eVTOL vehicles. With low operating costs and a limited need for infrastructure on the ground, this is an extremely interesting means of transport for future regional travel in sparsely populated areas. In addition, we see this as a sustainable, convenient and time-saving transport solution to and from the airport within just a few years. This is the first necessary step to get commercial traffic started as quickly as possible, says Skellefteå Airport's CEO Robert Lindberg.

Through Skellefteå Airport's proactive work with, among other things, the installation of Sweden's most powerful electricity supply for electrified aviation, opportunities are created to quickly get vehicles into the air, both for test and development and for commercial traffic. In addition to Skellefteå Airport, Skellefteå Kraft, Luleå University of Technology, Northvolt, Jonair and ACR also participate in the project with the test route.

• We have put together a broad constellation that will be able to contribute with different knowledge and angles. When we are ready, the goal is for developers of eVTOL vehicles to be able to use the route. Being able to test and develop in cold climates and darkness is a prerequisite for getting the vehicles certified. This, together with the knowledge about electrification that exists in the region, creates unique conditions, says Robert Lindberg.

In Skellefteå municipality, a major societal transformation is currently underway, with several major industrial establishments contributing to the creation of the green society of the future.

Skellefteå Airport works with the green transformation of the transport sector together with, among others, Skellefteå Kraft, Northvolt, EIT InnoEnergy, Skellefteå Science City and participates in the FAIR project and the Green Airport project.

A major focus is on the development of electric and hydrogen aviation and the provision of fossil-free aviation fuel.