Norway signs letter of intent for zero-emission aviation test arena with key partners

A Letter of Intent has been signed by key aviation stakeholders to take part in an International Test Arena for Zero- and Low-Emission Aviation in Norway. This significant agreement, involving the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway), Avinor AS, BETA Technologies, and Bristow Norway AS (a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc.), highlights the parties’ shared commitment to advancing the adoption of zero- and low-emission aircraft and marks an important step in bringing this innovation to the Nordic region.

The collaboration will focus on creating a Concept of Operations for cargo transport demonstrations, with the aim of conducting trial operations in a ‘regulatory sandbox’ in Norway by late summer or early autumn 2025. Through these demonstrations, the project aims to generate vital knowledge and experience for a wide range of stakeholders. The ultimate objective is to test, learn, and demonstrate the viability of advanced air mobility operations in a controlled setting.

“It is very gratifying that the first letter of intent to use Norway as a test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft is now being concluded. I commend Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority for taking another important step in phasing in new technologies,” said Jon-Ivar Nygård, Norwegian Minister of Transport. “The fact that well-renowned international players such as Bristow and BETA wish to test in Norway, shows that Norway is an attractive market for early introduction of new technologies. It is urgent to move forward with this work if we are to achieve the goal of fossil-free aviation by 2050. This is also the reason why the Government has allocated 50 million kroner to Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority in the state budget for 2025.”

“As an aviation authority we are committed to taking a holistic approach to ensure the entire aviation ecosystem is involved. Through close collaboration with the parties, we can facilitate and support the safe integration of new technologies. Developing an advanced regulatory sandbox together with EASA is a significant and rewarding task, but we firmly believe it can support industry, accelerate innovation processes regarding new mobility and provide us with critical competency. We are truly looking forward to this important work,” said Lars Kobberstad, Director General of CAA Norway.

“With the signing of this letter of intent, we are taking a step further on the path towards zero and low emission aviation. Avinor is very pleased that a major player like Bristow and an innovative manufacturer like BETA want to use Norway as a test arena. We have previously

stated that the goal was to start test flights by 2025, and we are now well on track to achieve this goal,” said Abraham Foss, CEO of Avinor.