Chloe Smith MP visits Norse Groups Aviation Academy as Electric Propulsion Innovation Zone launches

Norse Group Ltd, based in Norwich, supports local aviation businesses as they launch an ‘Electrical Propulsion Innovation Zone. Jet and helicopter operators have joined forces and look to make history as local MP Chloe Smith visits Norse’s International Aviation Academy at Norwich during the Department for Transports launch of their new campaign to boost aviation recruitment.

SaxonAir, NUNCATS, NEBOair, Swift Aircraft and Premier Flight Training will look to promote an Electric Aircraft at the Academy, following the recent Summer School success, which saw students making aviation history by building an all-electric aircraft with Norfolk based social enterprise NUNCATS CIC.

This unique E-Skyjeep project aims to supply zero-emissions aircraft to developing countries around the world. This affordable aircraft will be run and maintained by local communities, transporting medical aid, doctors, and teachers to remote regions.

The group have also collectively formed the NetZero General Aviation Training Group (NGAT) and will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during Chloe Smith’s visit on 4th November 2022.

Chloe Smith MP, who has worked from the outset to establish the Academy and develop the aviation skills base, ensuring the Academy has national prominence, said “I am very excited to welcome the formation of the NetZero General Aviation Training Group to boost aviation recruitment here in Norwich.

The Aviation Academy has always been an asset not only to the airport, but to local young people to give them the skills and opportunity to build a career in this exciting industry”

The NGAT will look at the specific training requirements that net zero aviation development requires, recognising the cross-over with STEM opportunities and general engineering training opportunities – in particular, electrical automotive engineering, with other transport sectors represented locally.

Norse is proud to be able to provide the state-of-the-art Academy, which offers unique workshops and classrooms as students are accompanied by a Boeing 737-300 aircraft that once flew international flights and still features fully operational electrics, hydraulics, and flying controls.

SaxonAir CEO Alex Durand said: “Norwich’s International Aviation Academy has significant potential. A unique space with workshops and classroom spaces, the Academy hosts a fully certified Boeing 737 allowing an exclusive opportunity to apply aircraft engineering theory to live aircraft – which we believe was a world first.”

“The Academy is incredibly relevant to STEM pathways and to raise local aspirations. To demonstrate our commitment to propelling the future of aviation, we have taken a lease in the building. We are already delivering Flight Attendant training alongside other courses, which alternative engineering pathways in development which may have relevance to beyond the aviation sector,” he continued.

“And in light of the government launching their new campaign to boost aviation recruitment, we believe now is the time to accelerate efforts to upskill young people and offer them basic engineering skills which can be delivered for school, Further Education and Apprenticeship levels with specialism into aviation, automotive and similar coming later,” he concluded.

Norse Group CEO Justin Galliford said, “We are proud to host this initiative and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition. The work that NGAT will undertake will see high-value job opportunities for local young people and tackle the issue of skill shortages in the aviation industry.”