Is the era of electric flight upon us? Major airline orders electric planes

Major international airlines are becoming increasingly aware of the need for aviation to be more sustainable. Electric aircraft are still in their infancy, but technological advancements and the growing need for flying to have less impact on the environment are driving the development of electrically powered aircraft.

MANUFACTURED IN SWEDEN

Sweden is a country with strong commitments to sustainability. Heart Aerospace is a Swedish aerospace startup, located in Gothenburg Sweden. The company is currently developing an electric aircraft model known as the ES-19, which is due to enter service in 2026.

“We’re excited about Finnair signing this letter of interest for our ES-19 aircraft. We’ve been working closely together in the Nordic network for some time. We are very impressed by the dedication and commitment of the Finnair team, and we’re thankful for their support as we take the next steps in building and certifying the ES-19,” said Heart Aerospace CEO Anders Forslund, according to Loyaltylobby.

THE ALL-ELECTRIC ES-19

Heart Aerospace’s electric ES-19 will be able to transport up to 19 passengers per flight. The aircraft will be powered by rechargeable batteries which need to be recharged after every flight. The batteries have a lifespan of up to 1 000 recharges.

The ES-19 aircraft is suited for short flights on routes with low passenger volumes. The aircraft will have an all-electric range of 400km. This will be suitable for flights to smaller regional centres in the Nordic region where there is not a high demand from passengers. The aircraft is slated for commercial introduction in 2026.

FINNAIR COMMITS TO HALVING CARBON EMISSIONS

As part of its sustainability efforts, Finnair is committed to halving its carbon emissions by the end of 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality in 2045. Finnair has said it would purchase 20 of Heart Aerospace’s ES-19 electric aircraft. Finnair will use the aircraft to operate short flights in its route network.

“We want to be actively involved in developing and implementing new technologies which enable carbon-neutral flying. Solving the climate challenge of flying is essential so that the social and economic benefits of aviation can continue,” Finnair vice-president of sustainability Anne Larilathi told Loyaltylobby.

PARTNERING UP FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Finnair has been a part of the Nordic Electric Aviation initiative since 2019. The project aims to drive the development of electric flying, with a focus on standardising electric air infrastructure in the Nordic countries; developing business models for regional point-to-point connectivity between Nordic countries; developing aircraft technology for Nordic weather conditions; and creating a platform for European and global collaborations.

“Finnair believes electric aviation will be one of the tools for the future of flying. It will help to promote responsible and sustainable aviation especially on short routes, in an era where climate change will increasingly dominate the agenda,” Larilahti concluded.