Photo: Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, Kerry Wilmot, Director of Project and Infrastructure Management at NEBOair, and Ray Parsons from Premier Flight Training Photo credit: Saxon Air Three East Anglian businesses are picking up the pace in sustainable aviation with the unveiling of the region’s greenest flight training programme. The companies – Saxon Air, NEBOair, and Premier Flight Training – all have one thing in common: a passion for sustainable aviation. And the VELIS Electro is at the heart of it all. In 2021, Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand met with the founders of NEBOair who were flying the flag for the world’s first EASA and UK CAA certified light electric aircraft, the Pipistrel’s VELIS Electro, in the UK. Since then, the companies have worked together to bring the aircraft front and centre, from joint-hosting sustainability events at Saxon’s hangarage facility at Norwich Airport through to Saxon Air supporting NEBOair with showcasing the aircraft on a global stage at the Farnborough International Air Show, and the London Climate Technology Show 2022 at Olympia, Kensington. Saxon Air, who rent a VELIS Electro from NEBOair, will now engage with Premier Flight Training to position the company as the most sustainable flying school in East Anglia. Premier Flight Training, based at Norwich Airport, are the latest to rent the Pipistrel VSW121, which is the low emission fossil fuel sistership aircraft to the Pipistrel Velis Electro. The Pipistrel VSW121 uses less than 9.5 litres of fuel per hour during flight compared to Premier’s previous training aircraft, the PA28, using 28 litres per hour. Operated in conjunction with the Velis, they will provide what is thought to be the greenest route to a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) in the UK. This is the latest in a string of businesses in the Norwich community that Saxon Air are supporting in their journey to sustainability, positioning the company as leaders in the green revolution. Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, said: “Electric aviation is instrumental in the future of our industry, and flight schools like Premier Flight Training embracing the Pipistrel solutions to low and zero free emission flight training is exactly the approach we need to see more of.” Kerry Wilmot of NEBOair explains the journey towards sustainability does not stop at electric aircraft: “To truly achieve sustainable flight, it is important to consider the sustainability of airfields as well. We have been working closely with Octopus Energy to design a vision for cleaner, greener community airfields.” “Airfields will play a critical role in reducing the aviation industry’s environmental impact, and there are several ways to achieve a tangible shift in operational emissions through sustainable practices, to generate green energy from poorly utilised land that can be found on many airfields,” she finished. NEBOair invite airfield operators to engage on the following topics: • Buying Green Energy from a Reliable Source • Generating Green Energy On-Site: giving consideration to producing renewable energy on-site through the installation of solar panels on rooftops or in open spaces between runways, or by installing standalone solar charging ports like the NUNCATS built port at Old Buckenham Airfield • Exporting Excess Power: excess energy generated on-site can be exported to nearby communities. This can provide local residents with access to cheap renewable energy during times when it is generated. Long term lease agreements for poorly utilised land can generate revenues for the site of up to 30 years Together, we can create a more sustainable future for aviation!
