Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada, has announced a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30-electric-hybrid aircrafts from the Swedish company Heart Aerospace. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2028 and will generate zero emissions, flying on battery power. It’s also expected to yield significant operational savings and benefits.
"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," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada in a statement. "Already, Air Canada is supporting the development of new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon capture, to address climate change. 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."
This new aircraft is powered by lithium-ion batteries, is quieter than other aircraft and at the same time, has better operational parameters. According to Smart Energy Decisions it will also allow the airline to serve regional and commuter routes with smaller environmental footprints and provide low-emission connectivity to local communities over the medium-to-long term.
The aircrafts charging time is expected to be 30 to 50 minutes. The ES-30 will also be equipped with reserve-hybrid generators that can use sustainable aviation fuel. When the aircraft is fully loaded (with passengers and luggage), it can fly 200 kilometers (124 miles) all electric, with zero emissions. With power supplemented by the generators, this distance can be extended to 400 kilometers (250 miles) and even up to 800 km (500 miles) if only 25 passengers are on board.
