Bristow and Electra Launch Norway Test Project for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aviation — Bristow Group Inc.

Event summary

Bristow Group and Electra signed a contract for a second international test project in Norway, focusing on zero- and low-emission aviation.
The project will test Electra’s hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, capable of taking off and landing in as little as 50 meters.
Testing will begin mid-2027 and will explore operational, infrastructural, and regulatory aspects of regional air mobility.
The project is backed by Norway’s government and involves Avinor and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

The big picture

This project represents a strategic step in Norway’s efforts to become a global leader in sustainable aviation, leveraging its geography and regulatory framework to test and validate new technologies. The collaboration between Bristow, Electra, and Norwegian authorities underscores the growing industry focus on reducing emissions and improving regional connectivity through innovative aircraft designs. The success of this test project could set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide, particularly in regions with challenging terrain and remote communities.

What we're watching

Regulatory Sandbox: How Norway’s regulatory sandbox will shape the approval and integration of hybrid-electric aircraft operations.
Operational Scalability: Whether Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft can demonstrate scalability for regional air mobility services.
Market Adoption: The pace at which zero- and low-emission aviation technologies gain traction in Norway and beyond.