Saxon Air
Norwich
The ambition
Established in 2007 with a vision of providing flexible, convenient, and cost-effective business flights, Saxon Air initially had just five staff, one helicopter, and one jet. Acquired by Klyne Aviation Group in 2009, the company expanded its fleet and staff expertise. Recognised as the preferred handling agent at Norwich Airport in 2010, Saxon Air developed the multi-million-pound Business Aviation Centre. Over the past decade, the company has grown and diversified its services, now boasting a dedicated team of over 50 people.
Saxon Air provides integrated aviation services, flying clients worldwide with their versatile fleet of helicopters and business jets. Their core services include flight support operations and aircraft management at Norwich Airport, optimising asset viability and relieving ownership administrative burdens. With in-depth aviation knowledge, Saxon Air excels in problem-solving and value enhancement across various areas.
Saxon Air also takes proactive steps towards sustainability, making it a strategic priority since 2019. Committed to Net Zero by 2050, they offer carbon offsetting and impact-reducing programs for charter clients. Beyond ‘can-do’ sustainability, Saxon Air’s focus extends to fostering cultural change and open conversation. Saxon Air’s new charging port, which integrates a solar energy array specifically tailored for electric aircraft, adds to the clean energy capabilities they began with RenEnergy in their recent installation of a large-scale grid-connected solar PV system.
The solution
This setup now generates sustainable power for multiple operational needs at Saxon Air, 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.
The charging port utilises an 18 kWp solar array covering 85.9 square metres and featuring 44 high-performance solar panels. This setup, built on a durable steel frame, generates around 18,146 kWh of energy per year, enough to avoid 3,445 kg 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.
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.
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.
18kWp
Total installed capacity
44
Solar panels installed
1
Inverter installed
“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.”
Damian Baker, Managing Director, RenEnergy
“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.”
Alex Durand, Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Air
The benefits
Optimised solar panel placement for maximum energy yield
Improved self-consumption of solar-generated electricity for sustainability
Reduced dependence on conventional power grids for increased control
Long-term financial stability by minimising exposure to fluctuating utility costs
Massive sustainability strides and innovation for green aviation
CO2
Annual saving of 3,445 kgCO₂/year. That’s equivalent to removing just under one gasoline-powered car from the road for an entire year
Saxon Air
Norwich
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and were estimated as at the time of the installation. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.