Loganair has partnered with a manufacturer of a planned hybrid-electric aircraft to determine whether it can be flown by the airline.
The regional carrier has joined with Sweden’s Heart Aerospace to examine possible uses for its hybrid electric aircraft within Loganair’s Scottish and UK network. Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a four engine aircraft able to carry up to 30 passengers.
Luke Farajallah, Loganair chief executive, 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.”
The ES-30 will have a fully electric zero emissions range of 200km (124 miles) and an extended hybrid range of 400km (248 miles) with 30 passengers on board, making it suitable for some of the airline’s Scottish island routes.
With 25 passengers, the manufacturer says the aircraft “has the potential to achieve a range of 800km” or nearly 500 miles.
Loganair will also join Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board, which includes a range of airlines, governments, leasing companies, and airports committed to supporting electrification of air travel.
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