Region Gotland, situated on the largest island in the Baltic Sea, has recently announced a partnership with Heart Aerospace, a company specializing in hybrid-electric aircraft, to expedite the shift towards sustainable aviation in the region.
As a key tourist destination, particularly during the summer months, Gotland sees its population significantly increase from its usual 61,000 residents. Given its geographic isolation off the southeast coast of mainland Sweden, efficient and sustainable transportation is essential for both the island’s accessibility and its economic development. This collaboration underscores a crucial step towards integrating sustainable aviation into the region’s transport infrastructure.
The partnership focuses on achieving a significant milestone: ensuring that at least one operator begins commercially flying electric aircraft to and from Gotland. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the island’s appeal as a green destination. A detailed roadmap for this transition was crafted by Science Park Gotland, with input from local business leaders and the electric aviation sector. This plan, launching tomorrow, outlines the necessary steps to integrate electric aviation into the island’s transport options.
“On Gotland, we are entirely dependent on air and ferry traffic to and from the island, and we must be able to travel sustainably. This decision to deepen the collaboration with Heart Aerospace is an important milestone in our journey towards sustainable communications,” stated Meit Fohlin, Chair of the Regional Executive Board.
Heart Aerospace is at the forefront of developing the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane designed to carry 30 passengers. The ES-30 is capable of a fully electric zero-emission range of 200 kilometers, with an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometers, offering a greener alternative with lower operating costs. This aircraft represents a significant advancement in sustainable technology, potentially transforming short-haul air travel.
“Heart Aerospace has just entered an exciting new phase of hardware testing, and our aim is to have a hybrid-electric passenger plane on the market before the end of this decade;” explained Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. “As we get closer to this goal, collaborations with airports, operators and regional authorities are crucial to ensure the eco-system needed to support electric aviation. We look forward to working together with Region Gotland to make this a reality.”
The collaboration will not only focus on the operational aspects and technical requirements but also explore the necessary ground infrastructure, maintenance, and business models. This strategic partnership follows a similar agreement between Heart Aerospace and the Government of Åland, highlighting a growing trend in the region’s commitment to environmentally friendly aviation.
Heart Aerospace has already received significant commercial interest in the ES-30, with 250 orders and options and purchase rights for an additional 120 airplanes, alongside letters of intent for another 191 aircraft. This commitment from various stakeholders indicates a strong market readiness for sustainable aviation solutions.