Introduction:
In the ever-evolving world of aviation, the industry has been making significant strides towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. One of these promising advancements is the development of electric aircraft. However, for Alex, the CEO of Saxon Air, the transition to electric aviation hasn’t been as smooth as expected. This blog delves into the challenges he faced as he attempted to take an electric plane from Norwich to Oxford, highlighting the crucial role of infrastructure in the future of aviation.
The Vision of Sustainable Aviation
As the aviation industry embraces sustainable growth, London Oxford Airport has been making substantial efforts to lead the way. With the approval of a £48 million development plan for an R&D Science Park and the completion of a new fuel farm to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), it’s evident that the airport is committed to a greener future. One of the notable tenants at the airport is OXCCU, a spinout from the University of Oxford’s Chemistry Department. OXCCU is working on a groundbreaking project to develop synthetic aviation fuel, using atmospheric carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This project demonstrates the industry’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
Saxon Air’s Electric Aircraft Challenge
As electric aviation gains momentum, Saxon Air aimed to showcase the UK’s first certificated electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis. With ten of these aircraft in the UK, one of them was based with Saxon Air at Norwich Airport. The plan was to fly this electric aircraft from Norwich to Oxford, but the journey hit an unexpected roadblock: the lack of recharging stops en route. “We couldn’t do the trip from Norwich to Oxford because of the range gaps in the airfields,” said Alex Durand, Saxon Air’s CEO. Additionally, some airfields they intended to stop at required a risk assessment. This experience illuminated a critical issue – the current infrastructure for electric aviation is far from ready.
Challenges on the Path to Electric Aviation
Alex’s attempt to take the electric aircraft revealed several issues that must be addressed to make electric aviation a viable and accessible option:
-Range limitations include: Electric aircraft currently have limited ranges, which restrict the viability of certain routes.
-Infrastructure: The lack of recharging facilities at airports hinders the practicality of electric flight.
-Regulatory framework: There is no established framework for electric aviation, including regulations, maintenance protocols, or training standards.
-Cost: Installing the necessary charging infrastructure can be expensive, and there’s no uniformity in charging points and specifications for electric aircraft.
-Hydrogen hurdles: Transitioning to hydrogen-powered aircraft presents even greater challenges due to the lack of infrastructure.
Saxon Air findings
Alex Durand recognises the potential of electric aviation but highlights the pressing need to overcome these challenges. He acknowledges that, while electricity is readily available, the infrastructure and regulations need to catch up. Learning from the experience, Saxon Air has temporarily leased the Velis to gain valuable insights into the electric aviation landscape. As electric aviation progresses, the industry must collaborate to establish the necessary infrastructure, regulatory standards, and a framework that ensures the success of electric flight. The future of aviation, where electric planes will take us to new heights, is full of promise, but only with the right infrastructure in place can it truly soar. Saxon Air is excited to be at the start of this journey into the future of the aviation.
