MONTREAL (Reuters) – Air Canada said on Thursday it will buy 30 hybrid-electric regional planes from Heart Aerospace, as more airlines switch to new technologies to cut emissions and fuel costs.
Global airlines are ramping up plans to tackle climate change as they face mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups over the impact of billions of additional passengers expected to take to the skies in the coming decades.
Canada’s largest airline said in a statement that the Sweden-based battery-powered Hart aircraft, which is being developed, will be able to carry up to 30 passengers and will generate zero emissions when it enters service, which is expected in 2028.
The statement did not reveal the value of the deal.
The Air Canada agreement, which also includes a $5 million stake in Heart Aerospace, follows a 2021 deal with United Airlines to acquire 100 19-seat aircraft from the startup.
