Published on Friday, March 26, 2021

Finnair considers purchase of electric-powered regional aircraft

Finnair has signed a Letter of Interest with Heart Aerospace to explore the use of electric-powered aircraft for commercial air travel.

Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-19 electric aircraft, which is expected to be available for commercial flights in 2026.

Finnair says it could acquire up to 20 of the new 19-seater electric aircraft, for use on the airline's short routes.

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."

"We want to be actively involved in developing and implementing new technologies which enable carbon-neutral flying.

Since 2019, Finnair has been a part of the Nordic Electric Aviation initiative to drive the development of electric flying, focussing on standardising electric air infrastructure in the Nordic countries.

Finnair has committed to halving its net CO2 emissions by the end of 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality in 2045.

"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," Larilahti added.

The ES-19 is a nineteen-seat passenger aircraft with an all-electric range of 400km.

Anders Forslund, Heart Aerospace CEO, 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 in regional travel."