Electric planes 'definitely coming' to Southampton Airport

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 10:38 · Archive

Southampton Airport's head of airspace and noise said electric passenger aircraft will eventually operate from the airport, but not for at least five years.

Southampton Airport's head of airspace and noise, Mike Glen, told the Airport Consultative Committee on 2 October that electric passenger aircraft will eventually operate from the airport, but said he would not expect to see them there within at least five years.

Mr Glen said the technology was advancing but several practical challenges still needed to be overcome before widespread passenger services could become a reality. He identified charging infrastructure, rescue and firefighting capability as key concerns. He also highlighted a 'massive increase' in onboard fires due to lithium-ion batteries, saying that all such issues needed to be considered before electric aircraft became widespread.

The airport's parent group AGS has already taken part in trials involving an aircraft developed by Beta Technologies in partnership with airline Loganair. This aircraft is expected to be used primarily for services such as Royal Mail flights and medical prescription deliveries, rather than passenger operations.

Cllr Susan Cook, who represents Colden Common and Twyford on Winchester City Council, raised the question of the airport's preparedness for electric aviation at the meeting. She also voiced concerns about whether there would be enough electricity available to charge aircraft in future, pointing to wider pressures on power infrastructure.

How it is being reported

• Electric planes 'definitely coming' to Southampton AirportElectric planes are 'definitely coming' to Southampton Airport, says airport bossBasingstoke Gazette · 8 Oct, 10:09
• Electric planes 'definitely coming' to Southampton AirportElectric planes are 'definitely coming' to Southampton Airport, says airport bossRomsey Advertiser · 8 Oct, 10:09
• Electric planes 'definitely coming' to Southampton AirportElectric planes are 'definitely coming' to Southampton Airport, says airport bossAndover Advertiser · 8 Oct, 10:09
• Electric planes 'definitely coming' to Southampton AirportElectric planes are 'definitely coming' to Southampton Airport, says airport bossSouthern Daily Echo · 8 Oct, 03:30

In this story: Southampton Airport · Mike Glen · Beta Technologies · Loganair · Susan Cook

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