Heart Aerospace is a Swedish startup company developing electric aircraft for regional travel. Their flagship project, the ES-30, represents a significant advancement in environmentally friendly air travel. This 30-passenger regional airliner is designed with a fully electric range of 108 nautical miles and an extended range of 215 nautical miles when utilizing generators powered by aviation biofuel. The aircraft's versatility allows for a potential range of 430 nautical miles if the passenger load is reduced to 25. Heart Aerospace aims to showcase a proof-of-concept aircraft by 2024, initiate flight tests in 2026, and achieve entry into service by 2028. The ES-30 will feature the Garmin G3000 avionics suite, customized to manage the aircraft's advanced electrical systems.
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aircraft manufacturing |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder |
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| Headquarters | Gothenburg, Sweden |
Number of employees | 130 (2022) |
| Website | heartaerospace |
Product
The company is developing the ES-30, a hybrid-electric 30-passenger regional airliner.[1] The ES-30 is planned to have a fully electric range of 108 nautical miles (200 kilometres; 124 miles) or a 215 nmi (398 km; 247 mi) range when also using generators powered by aviation biofuel. A range of 430 nmi (800 km; 490 mi) could be possible if only 25 passengers are carried. Heart plans to have a proof-of-concept aircraft in 2024 and start flight tests in 2026, with an entry into service in 2028. The Garmin G3000 avionics suite will be installed with custom functions related to managing the aircraft's electrical systems.[2]
History
In March 2021, Heart signed a letter of intent with Finnair which would allow the airline to purchase up to 20 ES-19 aircraft.[3] In July 2021, United Airlines announced their intention to purchase up to 200 ES-19 aircraft to be operated on United Express routes by Mesa Airlines.[4] In September 2020, Sounds Air of New Zealand signed a letter of intent to purchase ES-19 aircraft.[5] In September 2022, Heart Aerospace cancelled their plans for the ES-19 to focus on the ES-30, and stated their intention to convert existing ES-19 commitments to the ES-30.[6]
In September 2022, Air Canada acquired a CA$5 million equity stake in Heart as part of a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 aircraft, which are expected to enter service in 2028.[7] United Airlines, Sounds Air and Mesa Airlines reconfirmed their interest in the ES-30. Heart Aerospace also has letters of intent from Braathens Regional Airlines, Icelandair and SAS for a total of 96 aircraft, 6 units with Sevenair,[citation needed] and an additional 40 units for lessor Rockton.[1]
By May 2024, the ES-30 had undergone substantial redesigns, opting for a combination of electric motors and standard turboprops, such as the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6, and eliminating the large under-fuselage battery bay and strut bracing, while maintaining payload-range goals.[8]With 250 orders, 120 options, and 191 letters of intent, Heart Aerospace plans to have an uncrewed demonstrator fly in 2025 in the Los Angeles area, with a piloted prototype's first flight expected in 2026.[8]
Investors
Heart Aerospace's investor base predominantly comprises airlines, with notable contributions from other sectors. Key investors include:
- Air Canada
- Breakthrough Energy Ventures
- EQT Ventures
- European Investment Council
- Lower Carbon Capital
- Mesa Air Group Inc
- United Airlines Ventures
