Air Canada ordered 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid regional aircrafts from Heart Aerospace with a range of up to 800 km.
Last week, Air Canada announced in a press release a purchase of 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid airplanes developed by Heart Aerospace of Sweden. Under the purchase agreement, Air Canada also acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace.
The aircraft will fly on battery power, generating zero emissions and yielding significant operational benefits. The introduction of the revolutionary aircraft will help the airline reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, says Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau.
Air Canada has taken a leadership position in the industry to address climate change. The introduction into our fleet of the ES-30 electric regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace will be a step forward to our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada
Moreover, Rousseau added that the airline is already supporting the development of new technologies to address climate change, such as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon capture.
We are now reinforcing our commitment by investing in revolutionary electric aircraft technology, both as a customer for the ES-30 and as an equity partner in Heart Aerospace.
Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada
The aircrafts will be used in regional and commuter routes, providing low-emission connectivity to local communities over the medium-to-long term.
Air Canada is a strategically important partner for Heart Aerospace. The company has one of the world’s largest networks operated by regional turboprops, and it is also a progressive, future leaning company especially in the green transmission.
Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace
About the ES-30
According to Heart Aerospace’s webpage, the ES-30 will be propelled by four electric motors and have a service ceiling of 6 km.
The ES-30 will have a carrying capacity of 30 passengers seated three across, with a galley and lavatory. They will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, and will be equipped with reserve-hybrid generators that can use sustainable aviation fuel. The aircraft will also be quieter, have better operational parameters, and be more reliable.
The ES-30 is expected to have an all-electric, zero-emission range of 200 km. The range can be extended up to 400 km with power supplemented by the generators, and up to 800 km if the load is restricted to 25 passengers. Charging time for the aircraft will be around 30-50 minutes.
The 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircrafts are expected to enter service in 2028.
