Avinor and Norway’s CAA open two calls for low-emission regional and VTOL aircraft testing

Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway have announced two new calls for proposals under Norway’s International Test Arena program, with a clear focus on advancing low-emission aviation within the Norwegian ecosystem. The program seeks concept proposals for regional aircraft that can be tested within Norwegian airports, airspace, and regulatory structures, outlining an emphasis on decarbonization and innovative operation in real-world conditions.

A second call has been issued specifically for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, inviting concepts and piloted configurations to be explored within the Norwegian aviation environment. The VTOL-focused track mirrors the regional aircraft initiative in aiming to assess real-world feasibility, regulatory considerations, and operational concepts in Norway’s aviation infrastructure.

The initiative is described as a collaborative effort involving Avinor-owned Norwegian airports, the country’s airspace framework, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, all working together to create an environment conducive to testing zero- and low-emission aviation technologies. The joint program is framed as part of Norway’s broader push to decarbonize aviation through testing and demonstration within existing systems.

According to reporting from International Airport Review, the calls are part of the International Test Arena, an ongoing platform intended to evaluate and showcase innovative concepts within two key areas: regional aircraft and VTOL configurations. The plan emphasizes testing within actual Norwegian airports and airspace to gather practical data on performance, integration, and emissions outcomes.

Airport Suppliers summarized the announcements by noting that the International Test Arena is expanding with two new calls for proposals, explicitly targeting regional aircraft and novel piloted VTOL aircraft. The joint effort is described as involving Trondheim Airport (Avinor) along with the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, reinforcing the localized nature of the testing opportunities and the involvement of key Norwegian aviation stakeholders.

Both outlets indicate that the overarching goal is to explore technologies and operating concepts that support decarbonization in aviation, with proposals likely to cover aircraft concepts, integration with existing airspace and procedures, and potential demonstrations or trials within Norway’s regulatory environment. However, neither source provides detailed submission timelines, specific requirements, or participant eligibility in the information available.

The reporting makes clear that the opportunities are positioned to attract manufacturers, operators, and industry partners who are interested in advancing zero- and low-emission aviation through practical testing in Norway. The scope includes regional aircraft as well as piloted VTOL configurations, reflecting a broad interest in decarbonization-driven aviation innovations across multiple aircraft types.

As of the published material, there are no additional outcomes, locations, dates, or participant details specified beyond the identification of Trondheim Airport Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway as the involved parties and the general objectives of the two calls. The available sources focus on announcing the calls and outlining the program’s intent without detailing submission instructions or program milestones.