The Future of Aviation & Infrastructure – Seminar Summary
Hosted by Swedish Aviation Group (SAG) – 13th September 2023
Swedish Aviation Group’s seminar on the topic ‘the Future of aviation and infrastructure’, held on September 13, gave some 60 industry attendees the opportunity to listen and interact with input from eight industry speakers covering politics, new technology, energy, operators and regulations.
It was an engaging afternoon which began with a speech by the Swedish State Secretary for Infrastructure and Housing, Johan Davidson. During the speech, it became clear that politicians want to avoid pitting the transport laws against each other but would rather see how an efficient transport system is built up. For aviation, this has already meant that authorities have been tasked with creating conditions for, among other things, electrically powered aircraft.
At the meeting, representatives of electrically powered aircraft represented by Christoffer Levandowski, Head R&D Heart Aerospace, Gustav Borgefalk, Chairman Katla Aero and Henrik Littorin Skellefteå Airport who represented the research project Elis, were told about their respective development work with opportunities and challenges. A clear message from the speakers was that electric flights and other “new” types of energy will change the entire system, i.e. all parts of aviation operations, and they called for an umbrella organization with the task of ensuring that the whole system works.
The transport companies’ speaker, Fredrik Kämpfe, Director Industry Affairs, talked about the move that now needs to take place from TRL (technology readiness levels) to SRL (system readiness levels). To make the new technology work, a system change is needed that would include technical solutions, business models, citizen acceptance and skill enhancement. Henrik Littorin from Skellefetå Airport also supported that electric flight would affect the entire system, including airports. Completely new requirements will be set. His belief was that industry system costs would need to be managed and shared; airports alone could not support the infrastructure changes.
Vattenfall, represented by Magnus Berg, R&D Portfolio Manager, explained how the electricity market works and how a future airport can cover its need for electricity to enable electric flight.
The Swedish Transport Agency’s (Transportstyrelsen), Ingrid Cherfils, Head of Strategy, noted the importance of maintaining a high level of environmental monitoring and being active in international collaborations. The Swedish Transport Agency’s message was that, in collaboration with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), they are working for more efficient permit and certification management and that they intend to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. Ingrid also extended her hand to the present speakers and audience to participate in a newly established policy lab for the authority.
The operator level, represented by Lars Resare, Head of Sustainability BRA Flyg, revealed future plans to offer trips with 4-5 passengers in drones for short local trips. Electric flights will provide new opportunities for travel over longer distances. Bromma park (located within Stockholm) is a future vision of a smaller airport with housing and other activities nearby.
Moderator for the seminar was Niclas Härenstam, Head of Communications at the Swedish Maritime Administration and with previous work experience in both LFV and SAS, piloted speakers and the audience throughout the afternoon.
The seminar ended with a brief summary by Maria Wall Petrini, chairman of the Swedish Aviation Group (SAG).
Thanks go to all the speakers for their time, and Sweco for holding the event at its Stockholm headquarters.
About Swedish Aviation Group (SAG)
As the aviation business is facing challenges, today and in the future, SAG is offering an important knowledge sharing platform when it comes to new procedures, techniques and sustainable solutions.
The member companies of Swedish Aviation Group (SAG) have the ambition to cover the complete aviation industry with state-of-the-art solutions and services.
The main focuses for SAG today are to cover Airline and Helicopter operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as well as Airport Development and Operation. With this said, we are of course, open to all companies who engage in the aviation business and are more than willing to open up for new focus areas.
Within Airline and Helicopter Operations you will find companies covering aircraft, helicopter and engine maintenance and overhaul. Other areas are Air Traffic Management, consultancy and training.
Within Airport development and operation, you will find companies engaged in services, consultancy as well as operations (Air Navigation and Airport) and in technical solutions/products.
The aim is, for both groups to identify business opportunities and to cooperate in attracting customers. Ultimately, to secure new contracts to a company or in partnership between several companies. The activities within each group can differ depending on current situation on the respective market as well as within the group.
Each of the two groups will form their agenda with activities as well as sharing activities between themselves.
