AirAsia Joins Heart Aerospace Board for ES-30

AirAsia has joined Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to support the development of the Swedish startup’s hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30. This partnership will see the low-cost carrier provide strategic guidance on the design, development, and commercialization of the 30-passenger regional aircraft.

Heart Aerospace’s advisory board includes prominent airlines, leasing companies, and airports globally, all essential for advancing the transition to electric air travel. AirAsia’s involvement highlights its commitment to sustainability and innovation in aviation.

AirAsia is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact, with a goal to cut net CO2 emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2050. Captain Chester Voo, Deputy CEO for Airline Operations at AirAsia Aviation Group, emphasized the airline’s focus on operational efficiency and sustainability. “Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft offer a promising future for sustainable travel,” Voo stated. “We are excited to bring our regional expertise to Heart Aerospace’s groundbreaking work.”

Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 is a regional electric aircraft designed to seat 30 passengers. It offers a zero-emissions range of 200 kilometers and a hybrid-electric range of 400 kilometers with a full load of passengers. The aircraft can achieve an extended range of up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers.

On September 12, 2024, Heart Aerospace showcased its first full-scale ES-30 demonstrator, reflecting the rapid progress made by the team. Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, noted the achievement, saying, “It is a testament to our team’s ingenuity and dedication to develop a 30-seat aircraft with a new propulsion system in under two years.”

Heart Aerospace has already secured 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options for an additional 120 aircraft and letters of intent for another 191, underscoring strong interest and commitment to the project.