The Future of Advanced Air Mobility

Wideroe Explores the Potential for a Scandinavian Urban Air Mobility Network

Norway-based airline Wideroe is to work with Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions to evaluate the potential for launching eVTOL aircraft operations in Scandinavia. Under a memorandum of understanding signed on November 10, the partners will work through Wideroe's new Air Mobility Business Incubator on plans to launch services to a region with dispersed population centers and challenging geography.

The joint project will be conducted by the airline’s Wideroe Zero unit, which is charged with accelerating the implementation of new aviation technology and service options. The agreement does not specifically mention plans for the carrier to acquire and operate the four-passenger, all-electric eVTOL that Eve is working to bring to market in 2026.

“Although initially designed for urban air mobility, we expect these highly flexible vehicles to be interesting in a variety of rural areas, from cargo to passenger transportation,” said Wideroe Zero CEO Andreas Kollbye Aks. “Our partnership with Eve is part of our plan to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation in Norway. We are looking to the expanded partnership, unlocking new opportunities to improve regional connectivity.”

In March, Wideroe announced plans to add Tecnam’s new all-electric P-Volt fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet with scheduled routes starting in 2026. Rolls-Royce Electrical is developing a propulsion system for the nine-passenger aircraft, which is based on Tecnam’s existing P2012 Traveller twin-piston model.

The regional carrier has been an Embraer customer since 2017 when it ordered up to 15 of the Brazilian airframer’s E190-E2 airliner. It started operating the 100-seat twinjet on flights out of Bergen on Norway’s west coast in April 2018.

Earlier this week, Embraer unveiled concepts for a family of nine- to 50-seat aircraft with a mix of hybrid, hydrogen, dual-fuel gas turbine, and electric propulsion systems. The Energia aircraft, which may enter service between 2030 and 2040, would offer ranges of up to around 575 miles.

The Norwegian government says that it intends to require all domestic airline services to use electric aircraft by 2040.