Industry Rolls-Royce, Tecnam and Widerøe announce partnership

Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam have started a new project with Scandinavia´s largest regional airline Widerøe. Over the course of the partnership, the companies will develop and deliver an all-electric P-Volt passenger aircraft to the airline, which is based on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft.

The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2026 and is being designed to serve regional flights in the commuter market. Rolls-Royce and Widerøe have already been working on sustainable aviation solutions, while Rolls-Royce and Tecnam have an existing partnership, too.

The all-electric aircraft will be designed for Norway´s topography. Widerøe has been using DeHavilland DHC aircraft for the past decades. With establishing an all-electric aircraft, the company is showing a great commitment for its zero-emissions goal for 2025. The government has said, that all regional operations should be performed with zero emissions by 2040.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive, Widerøe explained: “Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero emissions technologies. 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.”

Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical, added: “Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050. This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market. It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets.”

In the partnership, Rolls-Royce will bring in its expertise in power and propulsion systems, while Tecnam will deal with the aircraft design and manufacturing. Widerøe´s main task is it, to ensure all requirements for airline operations are fulfilled.

In normal market circumstances, Widerøe is operating around 400 flights per day within Norway. Its regional network consists of 44 airports. With the all-electric aircraft, people will be connected throughout the country on a sustainable way.