Air Canada to take stake in Heart Aerospace and orders 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft

As part of Air Canada’s commitment to become a net-zero carbon emissions operator by 2050, the flag-carrying airline has agreed to purchase 30 ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft from Sweden’s Heart Aerospace. In addition, as part of Air Canada’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, it is also acquiring a US$5 million equity stake in the Gothenburg, Sweden-based regional aircraft manufacturer.

The ES-30 hybrid electric aircraft will be used by Air Canada for local and regional flights and should be in service by 2028. Operating on battery power alone, the 30-passenger aircraft will have a range of 200 km. Using the reserve hybrid generators that range can be extended to 400 km, and up to 800 km if passenger numbers are limited to 25. The turnaround time required to recharge the batteries is expected to be between 30 to 50 minutes. The ES-30 will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and will be quieter, have better operational parameters, be more reliable and have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional turbo-prop aircraft.

The ES-30 will allow Air Canada to serve regional and commuter routes more sustainably, providing low-emission connectivity to local communities over the medium-to-long term. It will be capable of carrying 30 passengers seated three across (in a 2X1 configuration), with a galley and lavatory.

“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,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.