Effects on Airport Operations from a New Regional Electric Flight Network in Northern Scandinavia

The research on electric aircraft continues to progress, and with more electric aircraft introduced on the runway in the future, airports will be asked to provide new charging services. The carbon neutrality of electric aircraft will open the possibility of new flight routes, further increasing the charging demand. This study investigates the effects of a simulated regional electric flight network in Northern Scandinavia on the regional airport, with a case study of Skellefteå Airport. The purpose is to examine how a future regional electric aircraft network could affect electricity consumption at a regional airport. An electricity profile of Skellefteå Airport without electric aircraft was created based on data from the airport. Estimated electric aircraft flight data was utilized to identify new potential flight routes within the assumed range from Skellefteå Airport. Analyzing traveler data on existing flights connecting Skellefteå Airport with Stockholm, a traveler-per-population ratio was calculated and used to estimate the number of electric aircraft needed to connect the identified airports. The electric aircraft were distributed over one week of airport operation each season, and the results were analyzed regarding peak power and overall electricity need. The results show an increased weekly electricity demand between 56% and 104% for different seasons, depending on number of electric aircraft departures, and increased peak power between 167% and 333%. The results highlight the challenges and opportunities of regional electric flights by taking an airport perspective on electric power and electricity usage.