Malaysian Airline AirAsia has joined Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to provide guidance and design, development, and commercial oversight for the manufacturer’s hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.
The Industry Advisory Board is composed of airlines, airports, and leasing companies, all of which are working towards electric air travel. AirAsia has joined the Board due to its sustainability ambitions. The airline aims to cut its CO2 emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2025. The airline also has a mission to serve underserved communities by developing and making regional air travel more accessible.
“At AirAsia, we are committed to exploring new technologies that align with our focus on operational efficiency and sustainability,” said Captain Chester Voo, Deputy CEO (Airline Operations) at AirAsia Aviation Group. “While electric and hybrid-electric aircraft are still nascent in Asia, they represent a compelling future for sustainable air travel. We look forward to contributing our aviation experience and insights from this dynamic region to Heart Aerospace’s pioneering work.”
Heart Aerospace is currently developing its ES-30 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, which can accommodate 30 passengers. It will have an electric range of 200 kilometres, a hybrid-electric range of 400 kilometres with 30 passengers, and an extended range of up to 800 kilometres with 25 passengers. The manufacturer recently unveiled its demonstrator aircraft, the Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), and is expecting to complete a fully electric test flight in 2025.
“With its remarkable success in making air travel affordable and its strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, AirAsia will be an invaluable advisor to Heart Aerospace,” said Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace. “Their expertise and insights will help us deliver the most environmentally friendly, affordable, and accessible form of air transport.”
Heart Aerospace currently has 250 firm orders for the aircraft, letters of intent for 191 more planes, and options and purchase rights for 120 more ES-30s.
Image: AirAsia/Heart Aerospace
