Air Canada continues its march towards carbon neutrality with an order for 30 all-electric, 30 passenger aircraft.
Both Air Canada and Saab seem pretty excited about the electric plane recently unveiled by Heart Aerospace. During a Sept. 15 event, each one committed to investing $5 million in Heart’s new venture, which will be a 30-seat electric regional airliner. In addition to the financial investment, Air Canada also placed a provisional order for 30 of this airliner, dubbed the ES-30 model.
“Already, Air Canada is supporting the development of new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon capture, to address climate change,” says President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau. “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.”
The ES-30 will be powered by four battery-driven electric motors along with a pair of turbo generators. It’s expected to have an all-electric range of 200 km (125 miles). There will also be an extended full-payload range of 400 km (250 miles) as well as the potential for hybrid-powered flights that could go as far as 800 km (nearly 500 miles).
“We are thrilled to have two such strong partners as Saab and Air Canada join our mission to electrify regional air travel,” said Heart Aerospace founder and CEO, Anders Forslund. “Saab is synonymous with aerospace, and our partnership will not only support our program but help us to become a part of the proud Swedish aerospace heritage. Air Canada is a strategically important partner with one of the world’s largest networks operated by regional turboprops, and a progressive, future-leaning company.”
United Airlines and its regional partner Mesa Air had originally committed to buying up to 300 of the previous ES-19 model that had been announced back in 2020. Instead, they have apparently opted to go with the larger ES-30 instead. Other prospective clients that have signed letters of intent include Braathens Regional Airlines, Icelandair, New Zealand-based Sounds Air, and SAS.
Heart Aerospace plans to build facilities at Säve Airport in Gothenburg, where it will have company offices, flight test facilities, and space for partner companies. You can watch this short video about the aircraft, below, then let us know what you think of the Air Canada ES-30 deal in the comments.
Heart Aerospace Launches Electric Passenger Airplane
SOURCE | IMAGES: AIR CANADA, VIA FUTURE FLIGHT.
