• Scandinavian regional airline Wideroe has signed onto the P-Volt program. (Tecnam)
    Scandinavian regional airline Wideroe has signed onto the P-Volt program. (Tecnam)
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Norwegian airline Widerøe–the largest regional airline in Scandinavia–has joined forces with Rolls-Royce and Tecnam to develop the all-electric P-Volt passenger aircraft for the commuter market, ready for service in 2026.

Based on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, the P-Volt is a nine-seat aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce electric motors and is targeted at passenger, cargo, medevac and special mission operations.

The project expands on the research programme between Rolls-Royce and Widerøe on sustainable aviation and the existing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Tecnam on powering the all-electric P-Volt aircraft.

Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in propulsion and power systems, Tecnam will provide aircraft design, manufacturing and certification capabilities. Widerøe will ensure that all competence and requirements of an airline operator are in place for entry into service in 2026.

"Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero emissions technologies," said Widerøe CEO Stein Nilson. "This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025.”

Norway makes extensive use of regional aviation due to its topography, and harbours ambition for all domestic flights to be zero emissions by 2040.

“It is incredible to see the interest around the P-Volt, not only coming from regional airlines, but also from smart mobility-based companies," said Fabio Russo, Chief Project R&D and Product Development, Tecnam. "This last year has demonstrated the importance of promoting capillary connections between small communities, while reducing the congestion of the main hubs.

"The P-Volt, like the P2012 Traveller today, will perfectly fit the scope of this programme. We are honoured and pleased to see the level of enthusiasm Widerøe and our partner Rolls-Royce are dedicating to this project.”

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