As manufacturers around the world look to make their aircraft more sustainable, electric planes are becoming an increasingly large part of the discussion. However, while getting such aircraft certified and in the air is one thing, generating a positive perception of them is another matter. After all, some members of the general public display a degree of hesitancy when it comes to electric propulsion.

Another use for a training aircraft

With this in mind, Norfolk-based private charter operator SaxonAir has leased a Slovenian-built Pipistrel Velis Electro, known for being the world's first fully type-certified all-electric aircraft. While this will primarily help SaxonAir make its training programs more sustainable, the carrier also plans to use it on electric pleasure and sightseeing flights out of Norwich Airport (NWI).

Last week, Simple Flying had the opportunity to visit SaxonAir's Norwich facilities and speak to personnel regarding its various ongoing sustainability initiatives. These include, as mentioned, the use of the Pipistrel Velis Electro as an all-electric training aircraft, as well as the rollout of sustainable aviation fuel on certain flights.

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A closeup of SaxonAir's Pipistrel Velis Electro
Photo: SaxonAir

However, with SaxonAir being a private charter operator, the private jet and helicopter flights that form the bulk of its day-to-day activities are likely beyond the budget of most of the general public. But, the presence of the Velis Electro will allow them to begin offering shorter, more affordable pleasure flights this summer. SaxonAir Wellbeing & Sustainability Functions Team Member Rachel Harvey said:

"We're going to use it for experience flights as well, so people can pay and just come up for a ride in it around the Norfolk coast. We think that, by doing that, and allowing people not just to use it for training but also for enjoyment purposes, it's going to make people talk about it more."

Increasing public knowledge

SaxonAir has previously offered helicopter-based pleasure flights out of its Norwich base. However, by deploying the Velis Electro for such services, passengers will not only be able to enjoy stunning coastal views but also learn more about, and get comfortable with, the emerging technology of electric aircraft. Harvey adds that:

"We want to market it, and make the knowledge of it a bit more widespread than what it currently is. (...) We think that, currently, there are probably not many people in Norwich that know that we've got an electric aircraft, and we want people to know about it and see the progress that is being made."

A Pipistrel Velis Electro parked in front of a much larger private jet.
Photo: SaxonAir

Rebekah Hill, SaxonAir's Wellbeing & Sustainability Manager, noted that "it would be an experience flight that you couldn't really get anywhere else at the moment," owing to its all-electric nature. As such, for avgeeks looking to tick off rare aircraft, SaxonAir's Pipistrel Velis Electro pleasure flights are an exciting opportunity.

Coming this summer

While somewhat isolated from the rest of the British mainland, Norfolk (and its extensive coastline) represents a picturesque region for all-electric leisure flights to take place in. This is especially true in the summer when long sunny days bring further vibrancy to the area. Just in time, SaxonAir looks set to have its all-electric pleasure flights up and running by this summer, as Hill explained to Simple Flying:

"We already have all the insurance in place, and stuff like that. So it's just a case of advertising it and deciding on the pricing, and all that kind of stuff."

A Pipistrel Velis Electro inside a garage.
Photo: Jake Hardiman | Simple Flying

All the signs are pointing in the right direction, with Harvey concluding that "legally, it's all ready to go live, it's just waiting on us to decide how we're going to do this and implement it. We are ready." It will be fascinating to see these flights take place and, hopefully, their positive impact on the public perception of electric aircraft.

With thanks to Rachel Harvey and Rebekah Hill at SaxonAir.