Norway’s OSM Aviation Group, partly owned by low-cost carrier Norwegian Air, has just placed an order for 60 all-electric eFlyer2 aircraft for pilot training purposes at its OSM Aviation Academy. The eFlyer2 is manufactured by Colorado, U.S.-based Bye Aerospace with a book price of approximately US$350,000. The e2Flyer will see the 20 currently used and predominantly Cessna 172 light aircraft phased out partly due to reduced running costs, as well as the reduction in environmental impact. Last year Norway announced that it would be looking to buy electric passenger planes and offer passenger flights by 2025 in a bid to combat climate change. The eFlyer2 offers zero emission and significantly lower noise pollution compared with conventional aircraft, along with enhanced speed and altitude performance.
According to Reuters, the eFlyer2 has estimated running costs of approximately US$20.00 per hour compared to that of US$110.00 per hour for the current traditional training aircraft. Pilots who train with the eFlyer2 will receive the same training and license as existing trainee pilots. The 60 new aircraft will enable OSM to expand its training facilities to more countries, including the U.S.
Bjørn Granviken, Managing Director of the OSM Aviation Academy says: “We’re training the next generation of pilots, and are determined to attract the best candidates. We offer a forward-looking education which they can be proud to take part in. This order for 60 all-electric aircraft is a key step in that respect.”
“Innovative and revolutionary thinking is an integral part of our DNA at OSM Aviation,” he adds. “We’ve revolutionized the way airlines approach their talent management challenges by providing airline-ready pilots and crew to the traditional carriers. We’re now taking the first steps to change the way pilots are trained. To us, it’s all about the people.”
