Sun, Jan 28, 2024
Sun, Jan 28, 2024
ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS Air Canada on Thursday said it would purchase 30 regional electric-hybrid airplanes from from Swedish start-up Heart Aerospace as part of its plans to tackle climate change, reports Reuters.
The battery-powered ES-30 regional 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 release. Canada's largest airline will also acquire $5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace.
"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. "Already, Air Canada is supporting the development of new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon capture, to address climate change. We are now reinforcing our commitment by investing in revolutionary electric aircraft technology, both as a customer for the ES-30 and as an equity partner in Heart Aerospace."
The aircraft will have lithium-ion batteries with an electric range of 200 kilometres and also equipped with reserve-hybrid generators that can use sustainable aviation fuel. With generators providing additional power, the range extends to 400 kilometres. The ES-30 will have a fully electric zero emissions and fly up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers. Heart Aerospace aims to create the world’s greenest, most affordable, and most accessible form of transport.
The United Airlines had said in July 2021 that it would buy 100 19-seat ES-19 electric planes from Heart Aerospace for regional routes. The The US carrier said in a press release it was investing an undisclosed amount in the company with Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Mesa Airlines.
Flying is the most carbon-intensive activity one can make. Airlines all over the world face mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups over greenhouse gas emissions driving global climate change.
The aviation industry growing at a rapid pace, is harming the planet because it contributes to global warming, pollution, and leaves a huge carbon footprint. According to a report in 2018, aircrafts were responsible for about 3 percent of total US carbon dioxide emissions and nearly 9 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from the US transportation sector.
Recent Comments
No Comments Found...