Saxon Air targets ‘net zero’ with solar panels at Hangar 11

Solar installation across the airfield

Saxon Air, a specialist in private jet and helicopter charter services, as well as aircraft management and pilot training, has completed the installation of 74 high-efficiency solar panels on Hangar 11, a key milestone in its mission to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2030. This investment marks the latest in a series of bold sustainability steps taken across the Saxon Air estate and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to responsible aviation.

Hangar 11, once Saxon Air’s original base of operations, has now been brought in-line with the rest of the company’s sustainable infrastructure. The installation will generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity, while any surplus power will be redirected back to the grid.

This 89.9kW solar installation uses 625W Canadian Solar panels with 23.1% efficiency and bi-facial solar gain. It is expected to generate over 81,895kWh annually, delivering 1.94GWh over the lifetime of the panels. That is equivalent to offsetting 16.91 tonnes of CO₂ each year — the same as planting 780 trees or removing six petrol cars from UK roads annually.

The project was fully funded by Saxon Air, with the company’s long-term partners CHC playing a supportive role. CHC, current tenants of Hangar 11, have upgraded all internal lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, further contributing to Saxon Air’s emissions reduction goals.

Alex Durand, CEO of Klyne Aviation, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Impact Renewal Energy Ltd on our latest Hangar Solar PV installation in Norwich. On-time completion of this project has allowed us to make the most of the fantastic summer weather we are enjoying. We have seen a significant uplift in the energy we can now generate on-site, and which is helping us accelerate our carbon emission reduction plans.”

Ethical manufacturing practices
As part of Saxon Air’s procurement standards, Canadian Solar panels were chosen not only for their high performance but for their ethical manufacturing practices. Canadian Solar enforces a strict Anti-Modern Slavery Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct, with third-party ESG audits and a zero-tolerance stance on child or forced labour.

Sean Gilvey, Impact Renewable Energy managing director, said: “We are proud to have delivered this solar PV installation on behalf of Saxon Air at the CHC Scotia building. As a leading name in aviation, Saxon Air’s investment in clean energy sets a powerful example for the private and commercial flight sector.

“This project demonstrates how the aviation industry can embrace sustainability without compromising performance. At Impact Renewable Energy, we specialise in designing and installing high-performance solar and battery solutions for commercial infrastructure, and we are thrilled to support forward-thinking clients like Saxon Air in reducing operational carbon emissions and future-proofing their energy user.”

Hangar 11 joins the Business Aviation Centre, which itself contributes 764 solar panels to Saxon Air’s clean energy generation, as part of the broader Aviation East initiative — a regional ambition to make the East of England a centre of excellence in clean aviation and ‘green’ infrastructure.

This project amplifies Saxon Air’s strategic focus on: operational sustainability – reducing energy consumption and emissions on-site; innovation in infrastructure – investing in scalable, renewable technologies; and collaborative partnerships – working with tenants and suppliers to reach shared climate goals.