Evaluating Route Suitability for Electric Regional Aviation in Finland
Lopes Alves, Miguel (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120131066
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120131066
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines how electric regional air mobility (eRAM) could be used in Finland to improve transportation between different regions. It looks at which routes are most suitable for connecting areas and reducing emissions. Considering Finland's dispersed landscape and existing travel challenges, the research discusses how electric aircraft can expand routes and better serve less connected regions. The study also explores the specific challenges and opportunities of introducing eRAM.
This study uses a mix of research methods, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It includes geographic and demographic analysis, a survey about preferences and awareness of the eRAM service, and interviews with two key stakeholders in electric aviation. The research aims to answer five key questions: current issues in transport networks, demand patterns, geographic factors affecting feasibility, user preferences and willingness to adopt, and expert opinions on the practicality of implementation. To support this study, three main theories are used: Innovation Diffusion Theory, Regional Innovation Systems Theory, and Transport Network Theory. These theories help to connect and understand the different parts of the research.
The key findings highlight three main groups of routes for near-term and medium-term implementation. High-priority routes include Helsinki-Tampere and Helsinki-Oulu. Routes for medium-term development include the Helsinki-Kuopio and Helsinki-Jyväskylä routes. Opportunities for medium to long-term growth include creating a new route from Helsinki to Rovaniemi via a Helsinki-Oulu hub, as well as establishing regional cross-connections to reduce reliance on hub-and-spoke network structures.
This thesis offers evidence on how to prioritise routes for eRAM. It combines technical details, economic factors, and user preferences, which can be applied to other regions as well. The study also confirms that working together with aircraft manufacturers, operators, local communities, and policymakers can create shared value. Overall, the findings suggest that eRAM is a feasible option for Finland's transportation future.
This study uses a mix of research methods, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It includes geographic and demographic analysis, a survey about preferences and awareness of the eRAM service, and interviews with two key stakeholders in electric aviation. The research aims to answer five key questions: current issues in transport networks, demand patterns, geographic factors affecting feasibility, user preferences and willingness to adopt, and expert opinions on the practicality of implementation. To support this study, three main theories are used: Innovation Diffusion Theory, Regional Innovation Systems Theory, and Transport Network Theory. These theories help to connect and understand the different parts of the research.
The key findings highlight three main groups of routes for near-term and medium-term implementation. High-priority routes include Helsinki-Tampere and Helsinki-Oulu. Routes for medium-term development include the Helsinki-Kuopio and Helsinki-Jyväskylä routes. Opportunities for medium to long-term growth include creating a new route from Helsinki to Rovaniemi via a Helsinki-Oulu hub, as well as establishing regional cross-connections to reduce reliance on hub-and-spoke network structures.
This thesis offers evidence on how to prioritise routes for eRAM. It combines technical details, economic factors, and user preferences, which can be applied to other regions as well. The study also confirms that working together with aircraft manufacturers, operators, local communities, and policymakers can create shared value. Overall, the findings suggest that eRAM is a feasible option for Finland's transportation future.