Skellefteå Prepares for the Future of Sustainable Aviation

“We provide the infrastructure and create the opportunities, while companies and researchers bring their innovations. The goal is to support development for faster commercialization and build an ecosystem for the aviation of the future,” says Henrik Littorin, Program Manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.

Arctic Aviation Hub, previously known as ELIS, leverages Skellefteå’s specific strengths: a cold climate, unoccupied airspace, green electricity, and extensive expertise in electrification. The program offers three physical test environments for aviation, which serve as strong assets in attracting stakeholders at various stages of development:

Skellefteå Airport

The airport boasts one of the world’s most powerful electrical grids for charging electric aircraft and provides a site for testing high-power charging and larger vertical take-off and landing vehicles, known as eVTOLs. It is also a hub for addressing electromagnetic interference (EMC) in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, offering realistic environments for testing.

Skellefteå Droneport

As one of Europe’s largest urban-adjacent drone airports, this platform facilitates testing of everything from drone functionality to software for sequence landings and detection systems. Logistics solutions for handling goods and shipments under demanding conditions, such as cold, darkness, and wind, are also trialed here.

Campus Skellefteå

In partnership with Luleå University of Technology and organizations like Arctic Game Lab, advanced technologies are being developed in areas such as connectivity, 5G, cybersecurity, and simulation. Additionally, VTI (Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute) has established itself in Skellefteå as a key partner in driving projects focused on transport and mobility.

“We are constantly learning and aim to adapt our offerings based on the needs of developers. It could start with energy supply and charging before actual flight tests take off. Our goal is to create an environment where companies, large and small, can commercialize their innovations,” Henrik explains.

A Long-Term Commitment Without Short-Term Returns

Arctic Aviation Hub views sustainable air mobility as part of a broader societal context. The aim is to integrate different modes of transport – from buses and cars to airborne solutions – to create seamless systems that enhance both local and global travel.

Unlike many other testbeds, which often operate with commercial demands, Arctic Aviation Hub is driven by a long-term focus on societal benefits and sustainable development. Key players in the initiative include Skellefteå Kraft, the municipality, Skellefteå Airport, and Skellefteå Science City, with the program designed to meet industry needs over time.

“This is a long-term investment where we don’t expect quick returns. Instead, it’s about building infrastructure and an ecosystem that can attract stakeholders from around the world. We’re breaking new ground and see great potential in linking technological solutions to societal benefits,” says Henrik.

Next Steps – Hydrogen and International Collaborations

Plans for the future include developing a system demonstrator for hydrogen infrastructure at Skellefteå Airport, creating new opportunities for sustainable aviation. At the same time, Arctic Aviation Hub is actively working to attract international companies and startups to Skellefteå to test and develop their innovations in real-world environments.

“We want to welcome stakeholders who see the value of coming to Skellefteå and utilizing our unique conditions. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the solutions for the sustainable aviation of the future,” Henrik concludes.

North Sweden Cleantech has made an article series on vital test and demonstration environments in the region. This is the article regarding Arctic Aviation Hub.