Swedish investment and aircraft leasing company Rockton has confirmed that it will acquire up to 40 of Heart Aerospace’s regional electric aircraft, the ES-30.
The purchase confirmation converts an earlier letter of intent with the Swedish aircraft manufacturer into firm purchase orders for 20 aircraft with purchase rights for 20 more.
The demand for sustainable aviation solutions
Leasing companies together own more than half of the global airplane fleet, making them a key stakeholder in the industry’s transition to new and more sustainable technologies.
Rockton exclusively focuses on investments in new technology which mitigates aviation’s negative climate effects. The leasing company says the aviation industry’s target to reach net zero by 2050 is stoking demand for sustainable solutions.
“The industry’s interest and need to enable a sustainable transition is increasing by the day and the ES-30 is the most promising technology available for the regional aircraft segment,” says Niklas Lund, chief executive of Rockton.
“Its reserve-hybrid configuration enables a meaningful range and payload for the commercial airline market and the airplane will be continuously upgraded as new improved battery technology becomes available, making it an asset with enhanced performance the longer you own it.”
About the ES-30
The ES-30 is a regional electric commuter aircraft with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers driven by electric motors with battery derived energy.
It will have a fully electric zero emissions range of 200 kilometers, and an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometers with 30 passengers.
The regional aircraft has the flexibility to fly up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers, all including typical airline reserves. The plan is for the ES-30 to enter into service in 2028.
“The Nordic region will be a leader in the adoption of electric aviation with several concrete infrastructure projects already underway. As a Swedish leasing company, Rockton is clearly a part of this pioneering spirit and we’re happy to have them as a partner,” said Simon Newitt, Chief Commercial Officer, Heart Aerospace.
Heart Aerospace now has a total of 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120 aircraft. The company also has letters of intent for a further 91 aircraft.
About Heart Aerospace
Heart Aerospace is a Swedish aerospace company that is focused on developing electric aircraft for regional air transportation. The company was founded in 2018 by Anders Forslund, Sebastian Momqvist, and Johannes Falk.
Its mission is to revolutionize the aviation industry by providing sustainable and efficient electric aircraft solutions.
Heart Aerospace aims to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional fossil fuel-powered aircraft by introducing electric propulsion technology.
By leveraging advancements in electric motors, batteries, and aerodynamics, Heart Aerospace intends to create aircraft that are quieter, cleaner, and more cost-effective to operate.
Overall, Heart Aerospace is positioned at the forefront of the emerging electric aviation industry.
By focusing on regional air transportation and developing innovative electric aircraft, the company aims to contribute to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution while improving the efficiency and accessibility of air travel.
Previous major orders
In 2022, Heart Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with United Airlines, expressing the airline’s interest in purchasing a fleet of ES-19 aircraft for regional operations within the United States.
Significant orders have come from other major carriers including an order brokered by Air Canada for 30 ES-30 aircraft in September 2022.
Earlier this year, Heart Aerospace and Air New Zealand announced their partnership to develop ANZ’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft.
The initiative plans to find a sustainable eco-friendly replacement for the New Zealand airline’s older Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 domestic fleet.
The company continues to actively collaborate with airlines and aviation stakeholders to promote the adoption of electric aircraft.
