Knowledge base about an electric pilot-PSO-route Førde-Bergen

In this report, we investigate the potential societal effects of a battery-electric pilot public service obligation (PSO) route between the two Norwegian cities Førde and Bergen, and what is needed to establish this route. Such a route will yield significant regional political benefits, in particular better cooperation across Western Norway, including faster transport of health sector employees and patients in the region. The passenger base is primarily people on business trips. Prerequisites for success are that the route facilitates daily commuting, offers sufficient departures and that the tickets are reasonably priced. Widerøe wants such a route to be part of a route network. The project’s most important effect in a climate context, is its contribution to phasing in battery-electric aircraft nationally and internationally. In addition, such introduction will contribute to reducing local pollution. To establish such a PSO route, the following is needed: certified electric aircraft, pilots, aircraft engineers and systems around the aircraft, that airlines can achieve commercial operation of them, and that the route receives support for establishment and operation. Different types of state support is therefore essential.