Antwerp operators plan electric passenger flights from 2030

Antwerp Airport could see electric passenger flights from 2030 under plans outlined by two operators based there, ASL Group and FlyingGroup. Each has set out intentions involving a different battery-powered type. The airport is preparing charging facilities to support them.

ASL has ordered ten VÆRIDION Microliners, according to its chief executive Philippe Bodson, with the first aircraft due in 2030. The manufacturer says the nine-seat model is designed for regional operations. Projected range is 400 kilometres with a full passenger load and about 550 kilometres with five passengers aboard.

Bodson named London, Paris, Bremen and Groningen as possible destinations from Antwerp, while stressing that no routes have been announced. ASL would first aim at business travellers and others wanting quicker regional connections. Scheduled flights are a possibility but would need more study.

ASL already flies two small Pipistrel electric aircraft for pilot training at Antwerp. Moving into passenger transport with the Microliner depends on certification and on the programme developing as planned.

VÆRIDION commercial director Otto Verhoeff said quieter aircraft could suit regional airports in densely populated areas. The company puts the runway need at roughly 800 metres, comfortably within Antwerp's runway of about 1,500 metres. Range, noise and operating cost figures remain development targets rather than settled performance.