OSM Aviation, a leading provider of air crew for the international airline industry, has announced today that it has placed an order for 60 all-electric planes from Colorado- based aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace. These will be used for training at the OSM Aviation Academy flight training centres to qualify pilots for the future on sustainable wings.
OSM Aviation Academy places order for 60 all-electric planes
The largest order for commercial electric planes to date
“We’re proud to take the lead in the future of green aviation,” says Espen Høiby, CEO of OSM Aviation Group. “This is the largest order for commercial electric planes to date.
“It’s important that the airline industry steps up to the challenge of developing more environment- friendly transport. At OSM Aviation, we’re committed to pursuing a socially responsible and sustainable business.”
Bjørn Granviken, CEO of the OSM Aviation Academy says: “We’re training the next generation of pilots, and are determined to attract the best candidates. We offer a forward-looking education which they can be proud to take part in. This order for 60 all-electric aircraft is a key step in that respect.”
The eFlyer2 from Bye Aerospace in Denver offers zero emission and significantly lower noise pollution compared with conventional aircraft, along with enhanced speed and altitude performance.
Høiby predicts that it is only a matter of time before electrical planes enter into commercial use in international air travel. He says the industry needs to be both proactive and innovative in order to keep up.
“Innovative and revolutionary thinking is an integral part of our DNA at OSM Aviation,” he says. “We’ve revolutionised the way airlines approach their talent management challenges by providing airline-ready pilots and crew to the traditional carriers. We’re now taking the first steps to change the way pilots are trained. To us, it’s all about the people.”
OSM Aviation has drawn inspiration from its Scandinavian roots in the quest for more climate- friendly solutions. Høiby expects the commitment to electric planes to find support at home.
Ketil Solvik Olsen, a former Norwegian minister of transport and communications who is now responsible for establishing the OSM Aviation Academy in the USA, supports Høiby’s predictions.
“The state-owned Avinor company, which operates most of Norway’s civilian airports, made headlines last year when it piloted test flights with an electric plane,” Solvik Olsen observes. “This made more people aware of the potential for green aviation. Now OSM shows that the business community is ready to take charge and move the industry further along this positive trend. “
