Aerospace

Air Canada to Acquire 30 ES-30 Electric Regional Aircraft from Heart Aerospace

A purchase deal for 30 electric-hybrid ES-30 aircraft being developed by Swedish company Heart Aerospace was announced by Air Canada

A purchase deal for 30 electric-hybrid ES-30 aircraft being developed by Swedish company Heart Aerospace was announced by Air Canada. The ground-breaking regional aircraft, which is anticipated to enter service in 2028, would fly entirely on battery power with zero emissions and provide significant operational savings.

A $5 million equity share in Heart Aerospace has also been bought by Air Canada as part of the arrangement.

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

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. Air Canada has placed a purchase order for 30 ES-30.

Heart Aerospace values its strategic partnership with Air Canada. In addition to operating one of the largest regional turboprop networks in the world, the company is also forward-thinking and focused on the environment, according to Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. With the ES-30, we can begin reducing air travel’s emissions long before the end of this decade.

The aircraft, which will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, will be quieter, more reliable, and have better operational parameters than traditional turbo-prop aircraft. Additionally, reserve hybrid generators that can run on sustainable aviation fuel will be included.

The ES-30 is expected to have an all-electric, 200 km range when fully loaded. With the help of the generators, this range can be increased to 400 km, and if the load is limited to 25 passengers, it can reach 800 km. The aircraft should charge in between 30 and 50 minutes.

Related Topics:Air Canada aircraft ES-30

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.