Skellefteå – One of the World’s Most Active Hubs for Electric Aviation

When Västerbotten’s County Governor Helene Hellmark Knutsson inaugurated one of the world’s most powerful charging infrastructures for electric aircraft at Skellefteå Airport in August 2021, it laid the foundation for a unique environment for innovation. The facility enables fast charging of multiple electric aircraft simultaneously and has been a key factor behind the establishment of Green Flight Academy, a world leader in sustainable pilot training.

“Skellefteå is the right place for the future of sustainable aviation. We have a proactive airport, Skellefteå Kraft with expertise in renewable energy, and advanced research from national universities and institutes. In addition, we have the world’s most sustainable flight training through Green Flight Academy – together creating outstanding conditions,” says Robert Lindberg, CEO of Skellefteå Airport.

With the global shift toward electrification, new opportunities are emerging for aviation. Electric aircraft and drone technology will, in the future, enable sustainable accessibility for communities, businesses, and individuals alike.

In Skellefteå, the Arctic Aviation Hub serves as a development program for sustainable aviation, with the goal of accelerating the commercialization of electric aircraft, hydrogen propulsion systems, and drones – driving progress and innovation across northern Sweden.

Through close collaboration between research, industry, and the public sector, Arctic Aviation Hub contributes to creating the conditions needed for electrified aviation to grow and thrive in practice.

“Several elements are required to scale up commercial electrified aviation – the aircraft themselves, the ground infrastructure, and new, sustainable business models,” says Henrik Littorin, Program Manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.

Today, Arctic Aviation Hub is a partner in three research projects addressing infrastructure, business models, skills development, and electromagnetic challenges within electrified aviation. The program is also engaged in discussions with various stakeholders regarding testing in cold and demanding weather conditions, as well as trials with hydrogen-powered aircraft.