The Next Way to Fly Inside Costa Rica: Electric Aviation Initiatives

In October 2019, Costa Rica hosted a major international meeting as part of the preparatory negotiations for the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, commonly referred to as PreCOP-25. The event, organized under the auspices of the United Nations, brought together representatives from governments, private companies, youth organizations, and non-governmental organizations from around the world.

PreCOP-25 served as a platform to define objectives and proposals that would later be discussed during COP-25, scheduled to take place in Chile in December 2019. The discussions focused on climate commitments, emissions reduction, and innovative approaches to sustainable development—topics that align closely with Costa Rica’s long-standing environmental policies.

Within this context, Costa Rica began to attract attention for initiatives linked to electric aviation in Costa Rica, particularly for short-distance domestic flights.

Costa Rica’s Decarbonization Plan and Sustainable Transport

Earlier in 2019, the Costa Rican government issued the National Decarbonization Plan 2018–2050. This policy document addressed the global climate crisis and its visible impacts, while outlining a long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Key Policy Objectives

• Reduction of fossil-fuel dependency in public transportation

• Promotion of cleaner technologies across economic sectors

• Development of energy-efficient infrastructure and systems

Transportation plays a central role in the plan, given its contribution to national emissions. While much of the early focus was placed on ground transportation, aviation was also identified as a sector with significant potential for innovation—particularly through hybrid and electric technologies.

AEROTEC and Electric Aviation in Costa Rica

A notable academic-driven initiative emerged from the Technological Institute of Costa Rica. A group of students, led by engineer Claudia Chaves at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC), launched a project known as AEROTEC.

Objectives of the AEROTEC Initiative

• Creation of an Electric Aviation Laboratory at TEC

• Introduction of Costa Rica’s first hybrid aircraft designed for short-distance flights

• Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions associated with domestic air travel

The project sought to adapt existing aircraft to operate with hybrid electric propulsion systems, thereby reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuels for internal flights. This approach directly addressed the environmental challenges associated with conventional short-haul aviation.

To support its technical development, AEROTEC received guidance from the Los Angeles-based startup Ampaire Inc., which specializes in hybrid-electric aircraft solutions. At the time, the initiative was actively seeking investment to advance research and implementation.

Short-Distance Flights and Emissions Considerations

Domestic air travel in Costa Rica offers significant time savings. For example, traveling by car from San José to Quepos typically takes around two and a half hours, whereas a flight covers the same distance in approximately 45 minutes.

However, despite shorter travel times, small aircraft used for domestic routes tend to have limited passenger capacity. This results in comparatively high carbon dioxide emissions per passenger. The goal of projects supporting electric aviation in Costa Rica was to maintain the efficiency of short flights while eliminating or drastically reducing associated pollution through electric propulsion.

Investment Considerations and Residency Context

Costa Rica’s legal framework for investor residency allows foreign nationals to qualify for residency by investing in approved economic activities. As of 2019, sustainable and environmentally responsible projects were increasingly aligned with national development goals.

For individuals considering investment-based residency options, initiatives related to electric aviation in Costa Rica illustrated the type of forward-looking projects that support national policy objectives while contributing to environmental sustainability. These projects highlighted how innovation, education, and environmental policy intersect within Costa Rica’s broader development strategy.

International Climate Dialogue and Costa Rica’s Role

The discussions held during PreCOP-25 in Costa Rica underscored the country’s role as an active participant in international climate dialogue. By hosting preparatory negotiations for COP-25 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Costa Rica positioned itself as a testing ground for ideas related to decarbonization, clean energy, and sustainable mobility.

Academic initiatives such as AEROTEC complemented government policy by demonstrating how local innovation could contribute practical solutions to global challenges, particularly in sectors traditionally dependent on fossil fuels.