Loganair has announced an “exclusive” partnership with hybrid-electric plane maker Heart Aerospace to establish use cases for alternative aircraft propulsion.
Collaboration between the two companies will focus on establishing hybrid-electric aircraft use cases for Loganair’s UK regional network.
Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a hybrid-electric aircraft with capacity to carry up to 30 passengers.
According to Loganair, the ES-30 has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while offering cost-effective and accessible air travel.
Luke Farajallah, CEO of Loganair, said: “This is a very exciting and significant moment for Loganair and for the future of sustainable UK regional flying.
“This exclusive collaboration with Heart Aerospace brings together two organisations who share a passion to see aviation emissions reduce in a realistic and meaningful way, and we definitely see the ES-30 as being a strong contender to emerge as one of the leaders in this space.
“We see this [partnership] as the next logical step along the path to a greener future for UK regional aviation.”
The companies will work together to explore use cases for the ES-30, as well as engaging with the Scottish and UK governments and airports, to promote and highlight the benefits of hybrid-electric propulsion.
The ES-30 will have a fully electric zero emissions range of 200km and an extended hybrid range of 400km with a capacity of 30 passengers, Loganair said.
With 25 passengers on board, the aircraft has the potential to achieve a range of 800km.
Simon Newitt, president and chief commercial officer of Heart Aerospace, said: “Loganair has been a champion of regional aviation for decades, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to bring cleaner air travel to the UK.
“This collaboration is an important step in our mission to make air travel more sustainable and we look forward to bringing clean and convenient solutions to Loganair in support of its ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions across its operations by 2040.”
The Scottish regional airline will also join Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board, which includes a range of airlines, governments, leasing companies and airports globally who are committed to supporting the electrification of air travel.
