Aviation
VTI can contribute valuable knowledge on how the future air transport system can be integrated with the wider transport network.
The aviation transport system is facing major changes, both to reduce its climate footprint and to integrate new, more autonomous systems into the airspace.
How should the aviation system of the future be designed?
There is a strong need for evidence-based decision support, and it is important to view developments from a systems perspective. VTI can contribute significantly, as the institute has broad expertise in areas such as logistics, transport economics, environment, infrastructure, behavioural science, modelling and simulation at various system levels.
Since we conduct research across all modes of transport, we can also provide valuable insights into how future aviation systems can be connected to the wider transport system.
Aviation research at VTI
Accelerated implementation of an energy-efficient and resilient dual-use transport system in rural areas
This project builds knowledge for the commercialisation of drone-based transport in sparsely populated areas.
Contact at VTI: Pia Kristiansson
Funder: Swedish Energy Agency
Project duration: 2025–2027
Colossus – collaborative system of systems exploration of aviation products, services and business models
The EU project Colossus aims to pave the way for future European aviation products and services. Project website Colossus
Contact at VTI: Chengxi Liu
Funder: European Commission
Project duration: 2023–2026
Energy-efficient fossil-free aviation in regional public transport for a green transition (Norrflyg)
As industry in northern Sweden grows with the green transition, new solutions for housing and transport are needed. Aviation can quickly complement rail and road traffic, especially if fossil-free. The project identifies institutional barriers and models a regional aviation network to support the transition
More info: Norrflyg (umu.se)
Project partners: UmU, VTI.
Contact: Ida Kristoffersson
Feasibility study on applying ITS road research to airport ground traffic
Existing ITS knowledge from road research is mapped to assess its applicability to airport ground traffic, aiming to reduce runway incursions and improve aviation safety. Autonomous ground vehicles may be included.
Contact at VTI: Magnus Nylin
Funder: Swedish Transport Administration
Project duration: 2025–2026
FWD measurement and pavement classification rating (PCR) of airports
Load-bearing capacity measurements of runways using VTI’s heavy falling weight deflectometer (FWD), in accordance with ICAO guidelines for PCR classification.
Contact at VTI: Håkan Carlsson
Commissioned by: respective airports
Mapping the climate impact of Swedish air travellers and reduction potential
This project uses IATA booking data and historical flight and weather data to calculate emissions. It compares flights with alternative modes of transport and evaluates policy measures, developing a model for annual emissions calculations at route level.
Client: Swedish Transport Administration
Contact: Chengxi Liu
Resilience testing of a drone system in northern climate
Explores how a national electric drone transport system can strengthen Sweden’s preparedness, reduce emissions and promote sustainability. Four sub-projects test drone services for delivery, surveillance and cybersecurity in varied environments.
RETAS – regional sustainable aviation for northern Europe
This project investigates the climate and societal benefits of sustainable regional aviation in northern Europe, including new routes and competition with other modes. It analyses demand, business models and policy needs through future technology scenarios.
Project partners: VTI, LiU (IEI-Flumes)
Contact: Magnus Nylin
SEC LCAir – environmental and resource impact of hybrid-electric aircraft
Assesses the environmental and resource effects of hybrid-electric aircraft for regional traffic during 2030–2060 using prospective life cycle analysis. Also aims to establish electric aviation as a research area within the Swedish Electromobility Centre.
Contact at VTI: Anders Nordelöf.
Funders: Swedish Electromobility Centre, Chalmers Transport Area
Project duration: 2025–2026
SE3S – system demonstration of electric charging and storage for electric aviation in Skellefteå
Tests a system demonstration of electric charging and storage at Skellefteå airport, building on the FAACE project.
Contact at VTI: David Daniels
Funder: Swedish Transport Administration
Project duration: 2025–2028
Impact of climate change on airfields
Investigates how climate change has affected and may continue to affect selected Swedish airports, including increased surface damage, rubber deposits and standing water.
Contact at VTI: Lina Nordin
Funder: Swedish Transport Administration
Project duration: 2023–2025
FAACE – flexible and automated charging via energy storage at airports
Studied future airport infrastructure to meet the needs of emerging aviation and propulsion technologies, focusing on battery-electric aircraft charging concepts.
Project ended: August 2025
Contact at VTI: Harrison John Bhatti
Funder: Swedish Transport Administration
Project duration: 2023–2025
Drone freight management at Skellefteå Droneport
Develops and demonstrates a drone transport line from Skellefteå Droneport to meet local transport needs. Integrates technology, logistics, regulations, public dialogue, business aspects, sustainability and operational excellence.
Contact at VTI: Niklas Arvidsson
Funder: Vinnova
Project duration: 2023–2025
Feel free to get in touch if you have questions, thoughts or suggestions for collaboration!
In VTI DiVA-portal you will find our reports and scientific articles in the field of aviation. Abstracts are available in English.
Member of Innovair – Sweden's national strategic innovation program for aviation:
www.innovair.org
VTI participates in the reference group for the development of the next NRIA, Sweden's national strategic research and innovation agenda for aviation.