Swedish startup Heart Aerospace unveils 30-seater electric aircraft

Gothenburg-based startup Heart Aerospace has revealed its new commuter aircraft, ES-30, which can accommodate up to 30 passengers.

The ES-30 is the successor to the 19-seat commuter aircraft ES-19, first introduced in 2021. The new model can fly for short routes of up to 200 km with a fully electric engine. Meanwhile, its hybrid version can extend the flying range to 400 km when fully booked. Reducing the load to 25 people can further push it to 800 km.

Co-founder and CEO Anders Forslund explained that Heart’s electric airliner is easier to maintain than conventional planes. Each aircraft has three-abreast seating, overhead compartments, a galley, and a restroom. The Swedish startup also plans to add an external cargo space to the model.

“We are thrilled to have two such strong partners as Saab and Air Canada join our mission to electrify regional air travel,”

Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace

Several global airlines have shown interest in ES-30. Air Canada purchased 30 hybrid ES-30 units earlier this year. In its agreement with Heart, Air Canada also acquired a $5 million equity stake in the startup.

Previously, United Airlines, joined by Mesa Airlines, purchased 200 units of Heart’s ES-19 in 2021. Model ES-19 will start serving passengers in 2026, two years ahead of ES-30.

Other airlines have also announced plans to acquire Heart’s aircraft. Sounds Air from New Zealand plans to purchase a minimum of three ES-19 units by 2026. Finnair, Norwegian Wideroe, and Scandinavian Airlines are among airline companies that have penned letters of intent for Heart’s aircraft.

Moving toward green aviation

Airlines and regulators worldwide are pushing for net-zero emissions in the aviation industry by 2050, causing a growing interest in electric aircraft. In the US, most airlines have started investing in electric planes from various vendors.

Forslund said Heart produced planes that the aviation industry could use. Heart’s planes do not only reduce carbon emissions, but they also cut operational costs.

“With the ES-30 we can start cutting emissions from air travel well before the end of this decade and the response from the market has been fantastic,” Forslund added.