Saxon Air has installed the first-ever electric plane charging port at a UK regional airport, dedicated to powering our growing electric aircraft fleet

Norwich, UK, 28 October, 2024 – Saxon Air and RenEnergy are pleased to announce the installation of a pioneering electric plane charging port at Saxon Air’s Business Aviation Centre, located at Norwich Airport. This purpose-built infrastructure, designed and installed by RenEnergy, establishes a new standard for regional airports and demonstrates both companies’ commitment to leading the charge in sustainable aviation.

The new charging port, which integrates a solar energy array specifically tailored for electric aircraft, adds to the clean energy capabilities Saxon Air began with RenEnergy in their recent installation of a large-scale grid-connected solar PV system. This setup now generates sustainable power for multiple operational needs at SaxonAir, including the cutting-edge electric charging port. Their fleet features the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an electric aircraft used for sustainable flight training, supporting a forward-looking approach to environmentally responsible aviation learning. By providing dedicated charging infrastructure for electric planes, the port further supports Saxon Air’s sustainability achievement as the lowest-emission flight training centre in England, with an ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Building on this exciting regional impact, Old Buckenham Airfield also operates a solar-powered plane port, showcasing East Anglia’s momentum in sustainable aviation infrastructure, powered by RenEnergy. These complementary facilities highlight the commitment to clean energy in regional aviation, as well as the potential to inspire sustainable practices industry-wide.

For Saxon Air, the project aligns perfectly with their vision to redefine sustainable business aviation, providing not only discreet and efficient services, but also maintaining a strong environmental responsibility. The electric charging port will enable fast and efficient charging for Saxon Air’s electric fleet, significantly reducing the dependency on grid power and reducing carbon emissions.

Damian Baker, Managing Director of RenEnergy, highlighted the significance of this installation: “We are thrilled to support Saxon Air in taking sustainable aviation to new heights. Working alongside a forward-thinking partner like Saxon Air, we’ve developed an infrastructure that will enable them to achieve their environmental goals, while also enhancing operational efficiency. This project is a fantastic example of how innovative renewable technology can be adapted to meet the needs of modern aviation. We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the sector.”

The charging port utilises an 18kWp solar array covering 85.9 square metres and featuring 44high-performance solar panels. This setup, built on a durable steel frame, generates around 18,146 kWh of energy per year, enough to avoid 3,445kg of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to the carbon offset by hundreds of trees. This renewable energy, generated directly on-site, aligns with Saxon Air’s goals for reducing carbon emissions and costs, offering clean energy to charge electric aircraft while functioning as a covered parking space that protects the planes from environmental wear.

Alex Durand, Chief Executive Officer of Saxon Air, notes the project’s alignment with their mission: “The installation of our aircraft solar charging canopy gets us closer to energy self-sufficiency targets. It also showcases electric aviation to a wider audience as we believe it’s the first of its kind at a UK regional airport. We now have a standalone location for energy self-sufficient electric aircraft operations, and now very much part of normal airport operations. Thanks to RenEnergy and Norwich Airport for helping to make this happen.”

As one of the UK’s leading non-scheduled aviation providers, Saxon Air’s services range from private charter flights to full-service flight support and aircraft management. Saxon Air’s growing commitment to sustainable practices is matched by their ambition to expand this model throughout the aviation industry, showing how sustainable technology can enhance regional connectivity while reducing environmental impact. A focus on flexibility reinforces Saxon Air’s vision to position their facility as an Innovation Centre for the region.

This collaborative project further builds on RenEnergy’s reputation as a renewable energy leader. RenEnergy’s expertise in engineering solar solutions, such as carports and EV charging stations, extends seamlessly into aviation. Having developed solar carports at multiple locations, RenEnergy brings a depth of experience in adapting solar technologies for diverse applications, adding significant value to Saxon Air’s sustainability objectives.

The partnership between Saxon Air and RenEnergy reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation within aviation. This installation exemplifies how forward-thinking, locally-rooted businesses can lead the way in developing regional infrastructure to meet global challenges.

About Saxon Air

Saxon Air is a premier provider of non-scheduled aviation services in the UK, offering discreet and efficient helicopter and jet travel across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With a dedication to excellence and sustainability, Saxon Air also provides flight support and aircraft management services, focusing on operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit saxonair.com.

Contact: Letty Dell-Aquila | Communications & Partnerships Manager | LDA@saxonair.com

About RenEnergy

Founded in Norwich in2006, RenEnergy is an industry leader in renewable energy solutions .RenEnergy’s innovative approach to energy solutions spans solar carports, electric vehicle charging stations, and bespoke solar installations for diverse industries. Visit renenergy.co.uk for more about their work in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Contact: Christine Bombal | International Brand and Marketing Manager | christine@renenergy.co.za

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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