Industry Finnair signs Letter of Interest with Heart Aerospace for electric aircraft

Flag-carrier Finnair has announced, that the company has signed a letter of Interest for Heart Aerospace´s electric ES-19 aircraft. This model is currently under development and this commitment by Finnair shows the airline´s ambition to become a greener airline in the future.

The Letter of Intent means, that Finnair could acquire up to 20 of the ES-19 electric aircraft. Heart Aerospace said that the aircraft are expected to be available for initial commercial flights in five years.

Heart Aerospace´s ES-19 is fully powered by electric power and is thought to be a green alternative for kerosine-powered aircraft. Especially on short-haul routes, the aircraft could become an alternative to traditional aircraft. The ES-19 can accommodate up to 19 passengers and could fly up to 400km.

On the airline´s plans regarding emissions, Anne Larilahti, Finnair Vice President of Sustainability, said: "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."

"Solving the climate challenge of flying is essential so that the social and economic benefits of aviation can continue. Many of the measures require collaboration across industries in tandem with partners playing a key role in our ongoing sustainability work," he added.

Anders Forslund, CEO at Heart Aerospace, said: "We're excited about Finnair signing this letter of interest for our ES-19 aircraft. Finnair’s climate goals are among the most ambitious in the airline industry, and we believe that our electric aircraft can play an important role in creating zero emissions regional travel. 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."

Heart Aerospace is a Start-Up company from Gothenburg in Sweden. The company is currently developing the ES-19 to create alternatives to traditional aircraft fuel solutions. As the climate change is advancing, more and more airlines and manufacturer want to do their part in creating a sustainable and healthy aviation of the future.

Finnair is the flag-carrier of Finland and was established in 1923, making it one of the oldest airlines in the world. The airline is currently operating with six Airbus A319s, 10 Airbus A320s and 19 Airbus A321s, as well as 12 Embraer ERJ-190. For long-haul operations, Finnair is using 16 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft.