Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was visibly excited by the two-seater electric plane that flew him over Visby in Gotland. Commercial flights will start in 2028 to Åland.
VISBY, GOTLAND At Visby Airport, there is an airplane parked in the Park, which at first you don’t really want to believe is real, because it is so small and looks like a horse.
However, the Pipistrell Velis Electro is just right, because soon it will fly the Swedish Prime Minister for 20 minutes over Gotland. Compared to a couple of ambulance helicopters at Visby Airport, the electric plane is not only small, but also practically silent.
On Wednesday, after the flight, Kristersson is even more enthusiastic. The ride had been stable.
– I must say that it was a very great experience. It really felt like it was in the air. You could feel the air currents, but the flight was stable and safe. Really fun, Kristersson raved about the little machine.
There is still no guarantee that the batteries will be enough from Stockholm to Helsinki, but on that particular route Kristersson would like to see an electric alternative. You could make a state visit, for example.
– I could really imagine doing that. This plane only has seats for two, and the batteries would be just enough for Helsinki. But in a few years, electric flights to Helsinki will certainly succeed.
The electric airplane called Pipistrell Velis Electro is certified, meaning it meets the safety requirements. The plane that flew Kristersson is owned by the Visby flying club.
According to the manufacturers, the first commercial flights of the electric aircraft in the Nordic region will be flown from Stockholm to Åland in 2026 according to current plans.
It is believed that the machines will become an alternative, especially for domestic flights.