Heart Aerospace the Swedish electric aircraft manufacturer has named four companies in New Zealand to join its Industry Advisory Board to help fast-track the release of its electric airplane, the ES-30. The four companies are: Christchurch Airport, Air New Zealand, Sounds Air and Wellington Airport.
“Decarbonising air travel requires a collective effort,” said Heart Aerospace Founder and CEO, Anders Forslund. “Our partnership with Christchurch Airport means we can impact the entire aviation ecosystem from creating more efficient airplanes to enabling more accessible airports. All of which bring convenience, affordability and responsibility to the flying public.”
Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 seats 30 passengers and can fly up to 400km in fully electric mode with zero operational emissions and low noise. It is on track to be available for service by 2026.
Members of the Industry Advisory Board will assist in defining the requirements and developing the ES-30.
Commenting on Christchurch joining the Advisory Board, Airport General Manager – Sustainability and Planning, Nick Flack said: “No-one is in denial – aviation needs to decarbonise and globally there is an enormous effort to do so. Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 is a good example of the new generation of low and no carbon aircraft that are in development. We are 100% committed to doing all we can to get these to market.”
He added that the strong contingent of New Zealand businesses on the board highlights “that Kiwi ingenuity is sought after and respected globally.
“By working together, we can help Heart Aerospace make the ES-30 even more efficient and ensure we see it in Aotearoa’s skies soon.”
