Air Canada signed a purchase agreement with Heart Aerospace for 30 ES-30 electric hybrid aircraft to serve regional and commuter routes. Air Canada has also acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace.
According to Heart Aerospace, the ES-30 electric hybrid aircraft will generate zero emissions flying on battery power and yield significant operational savings and benefits. The aircraft is expected to enter service by 2028, capable of carrying 30 passengers in a 2X1 configuration with a galley and lavatory.
Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada said: “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. We are 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."
Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace said: “Air Canada is a strategically important partner for Heart Aerospace. With the ES-30 we can start cutting emissions from air travel well before the end of this decade.