United Airlines (UAL) aims to have electric airplanes flying regional routes in the U.S. by 2030
as it moves to become carbon neutral by 2050.
The Chicago-based airlines says it has ordered 100 battery-powered aircraft from Swedish
start-up Heart Aerospace.
Heart Aerospace, which recently redesigned its first electric aircraft called the ES-30, plans to
have the aircraft enter service in 2028.
The 30-passenger airplanes will be run on electric motors with battery-derived energy, allowing
the aircraft to have a fully electric range of 200 kilometres (124 miles).
The planes will also include a reserve-hybrid engine powered by sustainable aviation fuel,
allowing the aircraft to have an extended range of up to 400 kilometres.
Heart Aerospace, which has also taken purchase orders from Air Canada (AC), has received
investments from Microsoft (MSFT) co-founder Bill Gates and EQT Ventures.
Additionally, Heart Aerospace has said that its electric aircraft will be able to recharge in less
than 30 minutes.
United Airlines’ stock is down 23% this year and trading at $34.96 U.S. per share.
