Will a Larger Airframe Help Heart’s Electric Airplane Become a Reality?

Air Canada and Saab join growing list of backers for Heart Aerospace’s environmentally friendly regional airplane.

Friday, September 16, 2022 at 01:28 PM ET

Verified

Air Canada has invested $5 million in Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 electric airliner program and signed a provisional agreement to buy 30 aircraft. [Courtesy: Heart Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

Heart Aerospace has pivoted from developing a 19-passenger electric aircraft (ES-19) to a larger, 30-passenger electric-hybrid model (ES-30), which is considered more practical and commercially viable for airlines.
The ES-30 features a hybrid propulsion system, combining battery power with two SAF-burning turbogenerators for extended range, reserve power, and increased operational flexibility.
The new design has garnered significant industry support, including a provisional order for 30 aircraft from Air Canada and $5 million investments each from Air Canada and Saab, alongside reconfirmed orders from previous customers.
The ES-30 is anticipated to enter service in 2028, with the company currently holding Letters of Intent for 96 aircraft.

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Now that Heart Aerospace has announced plans to develop a 30-passenger electric airplane instead of a 19-passenger platform, the Sweden-based company may be on a more likely path to success.

Heart announced Thursday it will abandon previous plans to develop its ES-19 in favor of a larger, battery-powered electric regional aircraft design called the ES-30, which incorporates a non-electric power source for reserve range— two turbogenerators that burn sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).