Eastern Switzerland gains its first electric aviation charging pole

According to a press release, Sankt Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK) and the regional airfield People’s Airport St.Gallen-Altenrhein have installed and put into operation the first charging station for electric aircraft in Eastern Switzerland. With this new option, the People’s Airport St.Gallen-Altenrhein is preparing for electric, environmentally friendly, low-noise aviation.

CEO of People’s AirGroup Thomas Krutzler emphasizes the company’s commitment to future-oriented technology in a press release, stating: “With our charging station, we are not only investing in electric aviation but also in a sustainable future.” Stefano Garbin, CEO of SAK, views the jointly financed investment as continued development of renewable energies, adding: “I am delighted that SAK is now contributing to electrification in the field of aviation too, thus also helping to decrease carbon emissions.”

The world’s first electric aircraft received authorization in Switzerland in 2020. As with road traffic, the transition to climate-neutral drive systems is taking place in the sky too in the form of regional flights. Technological development and market penetration are benefiting from the scale effects of the automotive industry according to Morell Westermann, the futurologist, aviation expert, and e-flight pioneer who was present at the airfield on the occasion of the symbolic commissioning.

According to the press release, the possibility of charging electric aircraft broadens the horizon for regional flight offerings, meaning that cross-country training flights to St.Gallen-Altenrhein and sightseeing flights can be accommodated.