Air Canada’s Electric-Hybrid Aircraft Order: Transforming Regional Aviation
Air Canada bets on hybrid-electric planes to cut emissions and boost sustainable regional flights by 2028.
Air Canada’s Bold Step: Ordering 30 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
In a groundbreaking move for aviation sustainability, Air Canada has announced an agreement to purchase 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid regional aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer Heart Aerospace—a decision set to revolutionize regional travel in Canada. With deliveries expected by 2028, this initiative aligns with Air Canada’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and positions the airline at the forefront of clean aviation innovation
The Partnership and Investment
- Air Canada will be among the first major carriers to integrate hybrid-electric planes in North America, joining United Airlines, Mesa Airlines, and others already involved with the ES-30 program.
- The carrier has made a $5 million equity investment in Heart Aerospace, strengthening its role in sustainable aviation leadership and ongoing development.
- Major Heart Aerospace investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures (backed by Bill Gates), United Airlines Ventures, Saab, and Air Canada itself.
Introducing the Heart Aerospace ES-30: Specifications and Technology
The ES-30 replaces the earlier ES-19 design, offering greater passenger capacity and advanced hybrid-electric propulsion. It is a regional commuter aircraft designed for short-haul flights with the following key features:
- Capacity: 30 passengers (up from the original 19-seat ES-19 design).
- All-electric range: Approximately 125 miles (200 km) on battery power alone.
- Hybrid range: Up to 250 miles (400 km) with turbogenerators engaged, using sustainable aviation fuel.
- Maximum range: Up to 500 miles (800 km) when carrying only 25 passengers, leveraging both batteries and hybrid reserves.
- Power system: Four lithium-ion battery-powered electric motors, complemented by reserve hybrid turbogenerators designed by Honeywell and Rolls Royce.
- Low noise and zero emissions: On all-electric power, the aircraft offers a significant reduction in noise and direct carbon emissions.
Why Hybrid-Electric and Not Fully Electric?
Despite hopes for fully electric commercial aviation, heart Aerospace opted for a hybrid-electric configuration. The rationale:
- Current battery technology cannot yet provide the range and reliability needed, especially with required regulatory energy reserves.
- Batteries have lower energy density than jet fuel, making fully battery-powered aircraft heavier and less efficient on typical commercial routes.
- Hybrid systems allow for longer flights, with batteries powering takeoff and landing, and sustainable fuel turbogenerators providing backup and extended range during cruise.
- This approach offers the reliability airlines and regulators demand today, while laying the foundation for future advances in battery science and fully electric flight.
The Potential Impact on Regional Aviation
Air Canada’s electric-hybrid ES-30 fleet targets regional and commuter routes, where the aircraft’s range and capacity are well suited to existing market needs. This will deliver several strategic advantages:
- Decarbonizing regional flights: A key step toward sustainable aviation, especially given the large number of short-haul flights in Canada’s extensive regional network.
- Lower operating costs: Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft promise lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance needs, and fewer emissions-based fees.
- Community benefits: Reduced noise and local air pollution around airports, which is especially important for densely populated or environmentally sensitive regions.
- Tech leadership: Positions Air Canada as a leader in aviation’s energy transition, boosting its branding and helping attract climate-conscious travelers and partners.
Global Context: The ES-30 Order Book
Heart Aerospace has received strong interest worldwide:
- Over 250 firm orders for the ES-30.
- Additional 120 options and purchase rights, plus letters of intent for nearly 200 more airplanes.
- Other airlines involved include United Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Finnair, Widerøe, Air Greenland, and various leasing groups.
Technical Deep Dive: ES-30 Aircraft Capabilities and Operations
| Feature | Specification/Description |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 30 (expandable to 25 for extended range) |
| All-Electric Range | 125 miles (200 km) |
| Hybrid Range | 250 miles (400 km) with turbogenerator backup |
| Max Range | 500 miles (800 km) with fewer passengers |
| Propulsion | 4 battery-powered electric motors + 2 reserve hybrid turbogenerators |
| Fuel for Turbogenerators | Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) |
| Noise Level | Significantly reduced compared to conventional turboprops |
| Zero Emissions Capability | On all-electric segments, true zero emissions |
| Estimated Commercial Entry | 2028 for Air Canada |
| Main Investors | Air Canada, United Airlines Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Saab |
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Challenges for Electric-Hybrid Aviation
Introducing hybrid-electric aircraft faces several obstacles:
- Battery technology limitations: Current lithium-ion batteries restrict range and payload, limiting viable regional routes.
- Regulatory hurdles: Certification processes are rigorous, as aviation regulators require proven reliability and robust alternate energy systems.
- Infrastructure needs: Airports must develop high-capacity charging and SAF supply systems for hybrid fleets, requiring investment and coordination.
- Public perception: Some debate exists about the overall green impact of hybrid systems, since turbogenerators may use jet fuel during certain operations. However, the intention is to use sustainable aviation fuel, which considerably lowers lifecycle emissions.
The Rise of Sustainable Aviation: A Global Trend
Air Canada’s ES-30 purchase is part of a wider industry movement. Pressure from regulators, customers, and investors is forcing airlines to adopt cleaner technologies:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is increasingly being deployed across airlines to cut the carbon footprint of conventional and hybrid flights.
- Hydrogen and fully electric projects are ongoing, though still in earlier stages compared to hybrid-electric like the ES-30.
- European carriers (Finnair, BRA, Widerøe), U.S. airlines (United, Mesa), and remote region operators (Greenland) have signed on to similar aircraft, making hybrid-electric aviation a truly global endeavor.
- Aircraft manufacturers are evolving—expanding models from smaller initial prototypes to larger, more commercially viable equipment like the ES-30.
FAQ: Hybrid-Electric Planes and Sustainable Aviation
Q: What makes the ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft greener than conventional planes?
A: The ES-30 can operate purely on electricity for up to 125 miles, generating zero tailpipe emissions and low noise. Its hybrid backup uses sustainable aviation fuel, which further cuts emissions compared to standard jet fuel.
Q: How does the hybrid system work?
A: Four electric motors provide primary propulsion from lithium-ion batteries. Two reserve turbogenerators powered by SAF can extend the range or act as backup during longer flights or emergencies.
Q: When will these planes start flying passengers?
A: Air Canada’s ES-30 aircraft are expected to enter commercial service in 2028, following development, testing, and certification.
Q: What routes will Air Canada use for the ES-30?
A: The planes are intended for regional and commuter routes up to 125 miles all-electric, 250 miles hybrid, with flexibility for longer but lower-capacity segments.
Q: Is the hybrid plane truly sustainable if it uses fuel?
A: While turbogenerators do use jet fuel (preferably SAF), the ES-30 minimizes fuel usage by relying heavily on electricity. The use of SAF drastically reduces the net carbon emissions versus conventional approaches.
Comparing Heart Aerospace’s ES-19 and ES-30 Designs
| Model | Passenger Capacity | Electric Range | Hybrid Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES-19 | 19 | Estimated at 250-400 km | Not originally hybrid-capable |
| ES-30 | 30 | 200 km (125 miles) | 400 km (250 miles) + up to 800 km with fewer passengers |
The ES-30 represents a crucial evolution for Heart Aerospace: larger passenger numbers, practical range, and the hybrid architecture required for near-term commercial aviation.
Conclusion: Air Canada’s Order Signals an Aviation Transformation
With growing global attention to climate change and air pollution, Air Canada’s commitment to hybrid-electric planes signals more than an operational upgrade—it is a bold step toward reshaping the regional aviation industry. As the technology matures and infrastructure develops, the era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight draws ever closer. Through investments, partnerships, and leadership in clean aviation, Air Canada sets a model for the industry’s future—and for travelers worldwide who value sustainability as much as convenience.
References
- https://www.freethink.com/transportation/air-canada-electric-hybrid
- https://impakter.com/air-canada-orders-30-electric-planes-from-heart-aerospace/
- https://cleantechnica.com/2025/06/04/electric-hybrid-passenger-plane-in-development-the-es-30/
- https://heartaerospace.com/heart-aerospace-unveils-new-airplane-design-confirms-air-canada-and-saab-as-new-shareholders/
- https://www.compositesworld.com/news/hybrid-evtol-orders-builds-planas-faa-certification-us-relocation-momentum
- https://amprius.com/hybrid-electric-aircraft/
- https://www.aviationtoday.com/2022/09/20/air-canada-signs-purchase-agreement-hearts-updated-es-30-electric-aircraft/
- https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Transportation/Air/Air-Canada-Agrees-to-Purchase-30-Electro-Hybrid-Aircraft
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