About test arena

Test arena is a collaboration between Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway that makes Norway’s airport network and airspace available as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft. 

We offer a single point of contact and a comprehensive process from idea to test and demonstration flight. Avinor contributes infrastructure, an operational environment, and access to energy, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway facilitates through regulatory support and flexible Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway have established Norway as an international test arena to prepare the aviation ecosystem for zero- and low-emission aviation and lay the foundation for scaling new technologies. The purpose of the test arena is to create and share knowledge and learning, as well as gain operational experience by testing in real operational environments.   

The goal is to reduce barriers to testing, accelerate the introduction of new technology, and strengthen Norway’s role as an early market for sustainable aviation. 

 

Aviation is primarily based on international standards and common European regulations, and many of the new aircraft currently under consideration are manufactured outside Norway. Therefore, it is important that a venue for testing and demonstrating new concepts is internationally oriented. 

This is also why the Civil Aviation Authority invites EASA (the EU aviation authority) to develop an advanced regulatory sandbox designed for learning and the safe execution of test programs. 

The Civil Aviation Authority is leading the work to implement the EASA regulations for regional air mobility. A framework for testing and demonstration has been established, and we are working to ensure that this becomes a good arena for learning and building expertise. 

Through facilitation and a systematic approach, we are working to include all relevant parts of the aviation ecosystem when new solutions are introduced. 

As the airport operator, Avinor enables Norway to be an efficient test arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft. Through Test Arena, Avinor makes its entire network of 43 airports — from major hubs to regional and Arctic airports — available for testing and demonstration. 

Avinor contributes, among other things, with: 

• Airport infrastructure — physical arrangements that make it possible to test in a real operational environment. 

• Airspace and operational frameworks — coordination and services that ensure test flights can be carried out safely and efficiently. 

• Energy access — arrangements for the necessary ground-based energy supply, including electricity and preparations for hydrogen and other future energy carriers. 

• Technological readiness and learning — development of charging and support infrastructure, and practical experience with what new aircraft concepts require from airports. 

With this, Avinor provides operators and manufacturers access to a unique test environment — with broad geographic coverage, operational realism, and the ability to scale.