Air New Zealand has selected Swedish electric airplane developer Heart Aerospace as a long-term partner in its ambitious Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. This initiative aims to replace the airline’s existing Q300 domestic fleet with more sustainable aircraft options by 2030, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing New Zealand’s regional air travel.
Heart Aerospace joins a roster of leading aerospace manufacturers including Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Universal Hydrogen in this collaborative endeavor. Mission Next Gen Aircraft is designed to accelerate the development of zero emissions aircraft technologies and build the necessary infrastructure to support their operation within New Zealand’s commercial aviation sector.
As a committed partner, Heart Aerospace will work closely with Air New Zealand over the coming years to ensure the successful integration of its innovative electric aircraft into the airline’s operations. This partnership underscores Air New Zealand’s proactive approach to achieving its bold sustainability goals, recognizing that a conventional “business as usual” strategy will not suffice.
“Air New Zealand is truly leading the way with its efforts to reduce emissions from air travel, and we are impressed by the diligence with which they approach this challenge,” stated Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. “We could not be prouder to have been selected as a long-term strategic partner on their journey towards net zero. At Heart Aerospace we say the real innovation is getting it done, and together we will.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving their ambitious targets. “Mission Next Gen Aircraft aims to accelerate the technology and infrastructure needed to decarbonise our domestic flights, by joining forces with the world’s leading aircraft developers, innovators, and infrastructure providers.” She further added, “Having Heart Aerospace as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops and will give them the confidence, they are developing a product that’s viable for us.”
Heart Aerospace is currently developing the ES-30, a groundbreaking regional electric airplane designed to comfortably seat 30 passengers. Powered by electric motors and utilizing battery-derived energy, the ES-30 is engineered for zero emissions flight. It boasts a fully electric range of 200 kilometers, extending to 400 kilometers with 30 passengers, and offering a flexible range of up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers, all while maintaining standard airline reserves. Heart Aerospace anticipates the delivery of its first ES-30 aircraft in 2028, potentially revolutionizing regional air travel.
Simon Newitt, Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving this partnership: “We firmly believe that the collaborative approach is the only way to ensure we have a sustainable future for aviation. Together we will be able to bring an affordable, accessible and responsible product to the flying public of New Zealand”.
This partnership between Air New Zealand and Heart Aerospace signifies a major commitment to a sustainable future for aviation, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can pave the way for cleaner and greener air travel for generations to come.
