Air Canada has reached an agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace, while United confirmed a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft, plus the option for an additional 200.
Air Canada’s new aircraft – expected to enter service in 2028 – will generate zero emissions flying on battery power and yield operational savings. Under the agreement, Air Canada has also acquired a $5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace.
"Air Canada has taken a leadership position in the industry to address climate change," said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive officer of Air Canada.
"The introduction into our fleet of the ES-30 electric regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace will be a step forward to our goal of net zero emissions by 2050."
Meanwhile, United said it is expecting the first deliveries of its 200 eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle) from Eve to be delivered as early as 2026.
United said the aircraft have the potential to "revolutionise the commuter experience" in cities around the world. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies intend to work on future projects, including studies on the development, use and application of Eve’s aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) eco-system.
"United has made early investments in several cutting-edge technologies at all levels of the supply chain, staking out our position as a leader in aviation sustainability and innovation," said Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures.
"Today, United is making history again, by becoming the first major airline to publicly invest in two eVTOL companies."
