“Data on electric aviation will help Finavia to prepare for future development, for instance with charging infrastructure for batteries. Besides developing renewable fuel, electric aircrafts can also be a major step in the fight against climate change”, says Kimmo Mäki, CEO of Finavia.
Cooperation with the Electric Aircraft Association (Sähkölentokoneyhdistys) is a part of Finavia’s corporate responsibility work. It is closely related to the company’s climate programme that aims to quickly reduce emissions created by operating an airport.
“Helsinki Airport was able to reduce its emissions to zero last year. The rest of Finavia’s airports will reach carbon neutrality in 2020. In practice, carbon neutrality means that emissions won’t grow even though passenger numbers will.”
Mäki says that Finavia is happy with the results so far. Few Finnish companies can call themselves carbon neutral.
“Finavia has a clear vision that Finns and the Finnish business sector should continue to enjoy fast and good connections around the world and that Finns could still fly 100 years from now. We are taking climate change and people’s concerns seriously, and we are working persistently to reduce environmental effects.”
Even though Finavia doesn’t own aircrafts, the company views the electric aircraft venture favourably, while supporting the development of the entire air traffic field. In climate change prevention and throughout Finavia’s entire business, it is important to do both smaller and greater things as well as to influence the millions of details affecting air traffic safety and smoothness. These good details are building blocks for a chain of responsibility.
The first electric aircraft in Finland arrived at Helsinki-Malmi airport on 17th June. After security and other preparations have been carried out, the aircraft is expected to make its first flight in July 2018.
Picture: Electric Aircraft Association (Sähkölentokoneyhdistys)
