Heart Aerospace, a Swedish startup, progressed its electric aircraft technology to a certain point before beginning the quest for a wealthy backer, as many similar companies do. They were able to attract not one but two substantial investors: Air Canada and Swedish aerospace company SAAB.
The Heart Aerospace ES-30 is a regional electric plane with a capacity of 30 passengers. The company already has a 19-seat design, the ES-19. Electric motors powered by batteries enable it to operate without emitting any pollutants or noise.
Both Air Canada and SAAB invested $5 million in Heart Aerospace. Along with the investments, Air Canada has placed an order for 30 ES-30 aircraft.
The ES-30 has a passenger compartment with three rows of seats, a small kitchen, and a restroom. A big external luggage and freight compartment complements the in-cabin storage and overhead bins. The aircraft’s power system will include both a totally electric version and a hybrid option. This hybrid system consists of two turbogenerators that run on sustainable aviation fuel. The hybrid technology is designed to provide backup power without compromising the battery’s range. Long-distance cruising can also utilize it to bolster the battery-powered electric motors. Heart has partnered with BAE Systems to enhance the ES-30 battery technology.
In terms of range, the aircraft will be able to fly 200 kilometers on electric motors, with the hybrid system increasing this to 400 kilometers and accommodating 30 passengers. An option exists to increase the range to 800 kilometers, albeit at the expense of reducing the passenger capacity to 25.
United Airlines and Mesa Air Group ordered 200 of the company’s previous model, the ES-19, with plans to purchase an additional 100.
In addition to Air Canada and SAAB, a number of other companies have expressed interest in purchasing the ES-30. These include Scandinavian Braathens Regional Airlines, Icelandair, SAS, and Sounds Air of New Zealand. The Swedish leasing company Rockton has also signed a letter of intent to buy 40 aircraft. Heart Aerospace has customers lined up for 96 ES-30s.
The success of Heart Aerospace and the ES-30 is due to more than just their environmental friendliness; however, it is a big selling feature. Profit is the real draw for airlines. Thanks to its electric power system, the ES-30 is extremely economical, with significant fuel savings and reduced operating expenses compared to standard turboprop planes.
The aircraft has the capability for future improvements. As battery technology advances, the ES-30’s range could rise dramatically. This is an area where rapid progress is being made, preparing the ES-30 for future advancements.
Customers should start receiving deliveries of the ES-30 in 2028. The participation of Swedish aerospace major SAAB is expected to ease large-scale production.
While it may appear that the earlier ES-19 aircraft is already flying, this does not appear to be the case. There are no images of a commercial ES-19 in the livery of any purchasing airline. It appears that, while the aircraft has completed the requisite processes for commercial operation, large-scale production has faced some difficulties. However, with the help of SAAB, these problems are expected to be fixed.
