SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Air Canada adding 30-seat electric aircraft to regional fleets

SAS Scandinavian Airlines said on Sept. 15 it was considering adding an undisclosed number of 30-seat electric aircraft from Swedish start-up Heart Aerospace for shorter routes in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Air Canada also said it would buy electric planes for the first time with the acquisition of 30 battery-powered regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace, as more airlines turn to new technologies to lower emissions and fuel costs.

Global airlines are stepping up plans to tackle climate change as they face mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups over the impact of billions of extra passengers expected to take to the skies in coming decades.

Heart’s new electric aircraft ES-30 has a 200-kilometre range with the option to extend the range to as much as 800 kilometres by combining electricity and fuel and reducing the number of passengers, SAS said.

Sweden-based Heart’s electric-hybrid aircraft under development will have capacity for up to 30 passengers and generate zero emissions when they enter service, which is expected in 2028, Canada’s largest carrier said in a press release.

Air Canada’s agreement, which also includes a $5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace, follows SAS Scandinavian Airlines and a 2021 deal by U.S. carrier United Airlines to acquire 100 19-seat planes from the startup. AirGuide Business & Reuters.com